Haven June 2026

June

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

BG’S INDIAN KITCHEN | ATO SUSHI | MARITIME RIPPLES ICE CREAM | LAKE HOUSE KITCHEN | FULLY LOADED

With more than 50,000 square feet of galleries, interactive labs, and learning spaces, plus a growing permanent collection of over 3,400 objects, The AGB Museum of Art is a vibrant hub where Lakeland connects through art, education, and community. Come see art from a whole new perspective, right in the heart of Lakeland, FL.

Stay Awhile

Winter Haven Hospital is BayCare.

One connected network of high-quality care.

Winter Haven Hospital is celebrating 100 years of caring for the community. You’ve trusted us to keep you healthy for generations and we’ll continue giving you outstanding care for years to come. You get fast, convenient access to what you and your family need, from emergency care for children and adults, to urgent care, primary care and more. And we belong to the BayCare family, which means you get seamless care from the region’s largest academic health system. Your health care records are available across BayCare, your care teams work together and managing your health is easier.

To learn more, go to BayCare.org/WHH100.

Your Perfect Place for First Hellos

Expert Care for Life’s Most Magical Moment

Whether you’re planning a natural delivery or need advanced care for a high‑risk pregnancy, every journey is unique — and your care should be just as personal. At AdventHealth, our dedicated birth advocates partner with you to create a birth plan centered on your needs. And through The Birth Day Experience,® we help you celebrate this once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment with meaningful touches designed to create memories you’ll cherish long after the first hello.

Letter From the Editor

June

Hello!

This month is our photo issue, and I want to thank everyone who submitted. We received 142 photos, and choosing only 30 photos to use in the magazine was difficult, to say the least. There were so many great ones, we had quite the debate here. I’m extending an invitation to all of you to make a visit to our office on June 5 during First Friday, from 5-8 p.m. to meet the photographers and see their work displayed. It’s going to be a fun night!

In this issue, you will also see the winners from The Great Polk Pet Showdown! Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo of their pet and to everyone who voted. Again, we received so many submissions, and they were all so cute!

Remember, hurricane season begins June 1, please get your house prepared in advance! (Nobody likes to stand in line for water and food at the last minute, am I right?)

Enjoy this month’s magazine, it’s hard to believe 2026 is half over now. Have a very Happy Father’s Day to all who celebrate, and I’ll see you around town!

Amy Sexson Editor/Partner

Haven & LKLD Magazines

Destroyer Media & Marketing

Winter Haven Farmers Market

our Community.

Introducing our newest location - Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center –a four-story, 80,000-squarefoot facility offering many of our most popular specialties and beloved medical providers.

Lifetime

General Surgery

Martha D. Castillo, MD

863-680-7486

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Mona El-Gayar, MD

863-680-7243

Pediatrics

Varsha Ghayal, MD

863-607-3346

Rotating Physician

Urology

Arin R. Stephens, PA

863-680-7300

Schedule your next appointment at this exciting new facility located at 4060 Lakeland Highlands Rd. in south Lakeland!

General Surgery

Daryl V. Nisbett, MD

863-680-7486

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Brooke Chang, APRN

863-680-7243

Surgery

Rachel Lefebvre, MD

863-680-7214

Rotating Physician

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Ashley S. Rourk, APRN 863-680-7243

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Faria Ahmed, MD, MPH 863-680-7243

Orthopaedic Surgery/ Sports Medicine

Imran Gruhonjic, DO 863-680-7214

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Taylor Cook, DO 863-680-7243

Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery

Peter Kazmier, MD 863-680-7214

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Samantha J. Curtis, MD

863-680-7243

Pediatrics

W. Jason Cornett, MD

863-680-7337

Rotating Physician

Sheena H. Tonkin, MD

863-607-3346

Rotating Physician Pediatrics

Kendra Velez Rodriguez, MD

863-680-7337

Rotating Physician

Podiatric Surgery

James J. Butler, Jr., DPM

863-680-7214

Rotating Physician

Central Florida’s Premier Healthcare Provider

WatsonClinic.com/Parkway

Podiatric Surgery

Zully A. Calvo, DPM

863-680-7214

Rotating Physician

Urology

Genesis Nieves, MD

863-680-7300

Publisher // Chris Sexson chris@destroyermedia.com

Production Manager // Aaron Venrick aaron@destroyermedia.com

Graphic Designer // Ella Doyle ella@destroyermedia.com

Marketing Consultant // Tyler Sabino tyler@destroyermedia.com Editor & Creative Director // Amy Sexson amy@destroyermedia.com

Social Media Manager // Kamryn Potteiger kamryn@destroyermedia.com

Contributing Writers Shannon Carnevale, Anne Yasalonis, Bob Gernert, IV Horn, Jeremy Gardner

Ad Director // Christine Campbell christine@destroyermedia.com

Director of Business Development // Nanay Pittman nanay@destroyermedia.com

Event Director // Lyndsey Venrick lyndsey@destroyermedia.com

Marketing Consultant // Josh “Bump” Galletta josh@destroyermedia.com

LOCAL NEWS

SUNCOAST GIFT

The Polk Education Foundation received a $50,000 investment from Suncoast Credit Union, strengthening multiple programs and initiatives that directly support students, teachers, and schools across Polk County. Suncoast Credit Union awarded $25,000 to purchase much-needed school supplies for the Free Teacher Market, where teachers shop the resource store at no cost and fill an orange Suncoast Credit Union tote with supplies that directly benefit their students. This contribution was also matched dollar-for-dollar through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program. An additional $15,000 was donated to support school-based grants addressing specific needs in areas such as literacy, STEM education, Career Technical Education (CTE), resiliency, support for low performers, and teacher quality. A further $2,500 was awarded to Eagle Lake Elementary and Floral Avenue Elementary to replenish books for their book vending machines, originally funded through Suncoast Credit Union grants. These awards were likewise matched dollar-for-dollar through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program.

VOTING BEGINS!

It’s that time of year again when you have the chance to vote for all of your favorite businesses and people in the 2026 Best Of Haven awards. This award is a true “people’s choice” award; there are no nominations, no “rounds” of voting, and it’s totally free to participate. Voting is a simple but meaningful way to show your appreciation for the businesses that make a difference in your life. From familyowned restaurants and shops to innovative new ventures, your participation ensures that these local efforts don’t go unnoticed. Every vote recognizes hard work and creativity, and helps support businesses that contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of our community. Voting begins on June 1 and ends on July 26. You can vote once a day at havenmagazines.com. There are hundreds of categories so you can share your favorite restaurants, plumbers, doctors, artists, shops, and more! Winners will be announced and celebrated in our September issue. Good luck to all & thank you for taking the time to vote.

PSC PRESIDENT FINALIST

The Polk State College Presidential Search Committee convened its final meeting on Tuesday, May 12, and announced the selection of Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the recommended finalist to serve as Polk State College’s sixth president. Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas is an experienced legal and policy professional with extensive experience in education and public service at the state and local levels. He currently serves as Florida’s Commissioner of Education, a position to which he was selected in July 2025. Kamoutsas will visit the College on June 3 to participate in meetings and forums with College students, faculty, staff and community members. The Polk State College District Board of Trustees is expected to consider the Presidential Search Committee’s recommendation at its regular board meeting on June 3 at 4 p.m. at the Polk State Center for Public Safety. The Presidential Search Committee was chaired by District Board of Trustees member Steve Lester and was comprised of the members of the District Board of Trustees, the President of the College’s Faculty Senate, Professor Anthony Cornett, and community members Grady Judd, Denise Grimsley, and Kelli Stargel.

WASTE DISPOSAL

Polk County residents will soon have a convenient option for waste disposal in Northeast Polk. Beginning June 1, residents may self-haul eligible waste to the Northeast Landfill Customer Convenience Center Pilot Program, located at 4001 Bannon Island Road in Haines City. This option is available in addition to regular curbside collection. Created as part of Polk County’s ongoing effort to reduce illegal dumping, the pilot program will make it easier for residents in the northeast region to properly dispose of household waste, yard waste, bulk items, residential construction debris, tires, and scrap metal. “The goal of this pilot program is simple: make proper disposal easier and more accessible for residents in northeast Polk County,” said Brian Cogswell, Polk County Solid Waste Division Director. “When residents have convenient options, it helps protect our neighborhoods, our roadsides and our environment from illegal dumping.” Disposal fees will be based on vehicle type. Residents must provide proof of Polk County residency. No cash will be accepted. Commercial use of the facility will not be allowed, including automated dump trailers. The center hours, beginning June 1, are as follows: Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information and updates, visit polkfl.gov.

THANK YOU MABEL SCHAEFER

The Polk Education Foundation has been awarded an $80,000 grant from GiveWell Community Foundation in honor of Mabel Schaefer’s legacy. This investment will allow the Polk Education Foundation AmeriCorps Polk Reads program to pilot Building Blocks Literacy: an expansion beyond its traditional Polk County Public Schools kindergarten through third grade focus that will begin serving fourth and fifth grade students over the next two years. This award is part of a larger philanthropic legacy left by Mabel Schaefer, a Polk County resident who passed away in 2023. Mrs. Schaefer was a former third-grade teacher who lived to be 100 years old and dedicated her life to education and service. Through GiveWell Community Foundation, more than $875,000 has been distributed so far to 20 nonprofits across Polk and Highlands counties that reflect the causes most important to her, including early childhood education. The Polk Education Foundation received the second-largest gift, reflecting a strong alignment between Mrs. Schaefer’s values and the Foundation’s mission to strengthen student success.

MARTHA SANTIAGO

Polk County Board of County Commissioner Martha Santiago has announced she will not seek re-election for a third term on the commission. Santiago, who was first elected to the Board of County Commissioners in November 2018 and re-elected in November 2022, said she is ready to begin the next chapter of her life. She is currently serving as the board chairperson. “I have been blessed to accomplish many of the things I set out to do when I first decided to run for the county commission. I am proud to have served Polk County well and to have remained focused on the key priorities I set during my tenure, including ensuring our citizens’ safety, improving infrastructure, and supporting the county’s economic initiative to create jobs. It is now time to turn it over to someone else who also has a vision for what they hope to accomplish as a county commissioner,” Santiago said. Santiago began her teaching career in 1978 and later became a school and district administrator for the Polk County Public School system. Santiago then worked at Polk State College where she served as a board trustee, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Provost. Santiago earned her doctoral degree from the University of South Florida.

STREET CLOSURE

The 3rd Street NW Complete Street Improvements Project is designed to balance the needs of drivers, pedestrians, and the surrounding neighborhood while enhancing the overall function and feel of the street. On May 26, 3rd Street NW was closed from Ave D NW to South Lake Silver Drive and is expected to stay closed until early 2027. This project focuses on the segment of roadway between Avenue D NW and South Lake Silver Drive, creating a safer, more comfortable environment for everyone who travels the corridor. The Improvements will include traffic calming and intersection improvements to enhance safety; enhanced pedestrian facilities to support walkability and accessibility; minor landscape improvements to improve the streetscape; additional on-street parking to support nearby uses; and roadway improvements that enhance overall drivability. These improvements are especially meaningful because the corridor serves as a key connection between Downtown and the shores of Lake Silver, as well as the recently redeveloped Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

BURN BAN IS BACK

As drought conditions persist across the county, Polk County officials made the decision to reinstate the burn ban effective May 6. The ban includes unincorporated Polk County and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lakeland, Mulberry, Polk City, and Winter Haven. The burn ban is determined using the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). The KBDI assesses the moisture content from no moisture deficiency to maximum drought conditions of the soil. This helps predict the potential for wildfires. The burn ban prohibits: campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning of yard or household trash, and organic debris; igniting of fireworks, and noncommercial burning of materials, other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, which is not contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and the total fuel area cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

WHISTLESTOP WHISTLESTOP

Political Rally Political Rally

AUGUST 13, 2026

CANDIDATES ISSUES DRINKS STRAW BALLOT

Chamber Member Meet & Greet: 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

General Public: 6:00 PM

NORA MAYO HALL

WhistleStop Winter Haven is an old-fashioned political rally designed to acquaint the community with those running for elected office. It is open to any candidate or issue relevant to Winter Haven Area voters.

Scan the QR Code to buy your tickets or sign up for a booth! Presenting Sponsor:

HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS

June 1! It’s recommended that you have a seven-day supply of food and water at the ready for everyone in your household. Do it now before a storm comes so you’re not waiting in line to buy the last bottles of water. Learn more about emergency preparedness (alerts), including how to plan and prepare for a disaster at polkfl.gov/public-safety/hurricanepreparedness.

SHAWN MULLINS

June 12, 7 p.m. at Gram Parsons Derry Down with special guest, Cat Ridgeway. Shawn Mullins’ critical and commercial breakthrough came when 1998 “Soul’s Core” shot him to fame on the strength of Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit, “Lullaby.” His song, “Shimmer” was used to promote the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and was included on the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack. gpderrydown.com

POLK TOP 10

PEOPLE & PLACES OF POLK COUNTY

MEAN GIRLS, JR.

June 4 – 6 at the Bartow Civic Center. Cady Heron is the new girl at North Shore High School in Chicago. Janis and Damian befriend the new girl and convince naive Cady to be their “friend” in order to bring down Queen Bee Regina George. This musical is based on the 2004 film. centralfloridatix.com

SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K

June 13, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth Park in Lakeland. Proceeds go towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. Certified course, chip timed. This is one of three races, cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results. lakelandrunnersclub.org

June 5, 5 – 8 p.m. at Destroyer Media, 326 Ave C SW, Winter Haven at Bowen Yard. Let’s get together at our office during First Friday! At this art exhibition, you can meet the photographers and view the photos chosen for the June issues of Haven & LKLD Magazines. Support local artists and drop by to visit. Some photos available for purchase.

POLK PRIDE WEEK

June 13 – 20 at various locations. It begins with the Pride Kick Off Party, and then Pride for Youth, Pride in Faith, Friday Night Pride, Pride in the Park, and finally the Pride After Dark Party. For a full schedule of events please visit polkpridefl.org.

AN AFTERNOON WITH JIM STAFFORD

June 6, 2 p.m. at The Ritz Theatre. Known for his masterful guitar work and quick-witted charm, Jim brings audiences behind the scenes of his career, sharing personal anecdotes from his rise to fame, his time in television, and his decades performing for fans across the country. Purchase tickets at theatrewinterhaven.com.

PITBULLS & PEARLS

June 13, 6 p.m. at Adams Estate in Lake Alfred. Help raise needed funds for the Polk County Bully Project. Masquerade masks are highly encouraged! Dance (or fake-gamble) the night away. Includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, silent auctions, and a few casino tables to try your luck on. Cash bar. More info: FB @ polkcountybullyproject.

THE GREAT AMERICAN BEER & WINE TASTING

June 11, 5:30 p.m. in Downtown Winter Haven. Hosted by Main Street Winter Haven. In the spirit of America from 1776-2026, the annual Beer & Bubbles event will honor our nation’s 250th birthday. Visit participating businesses for an American beer or wine paired with a classic American bite. Ticket required. centralfloridatix.com

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

June 20, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center. The City of Winter Haven invites you to the communitywide event honoring the historical significance of Juneteenth while celebrating culture, heritage, and achievements. Attendees will enjoy: live music and performances, local food and retail vendors, familyfriendly activities, and educational exhibits. mywinterhaven.com

THANK YOU SPONSORS AND TEAMS

Applied Aquatic Bob Paul, Inc.

Counter Ag Services

Dr. Paul Morin, The Bond Clinic, P.A.

Empire Imported Parts & Service

Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka

Heath Construction & Management, LLC

Fairway Sponsors: Daily Ridge Today & Tonight Magazine

Bar Sponsors:

Roden Pool Contracting, Inc.

Catering Co. Haven Magazine

Morgan StanleyThe Scheck/Lewis/McKown Group

Mulling Insurance Agency, Inc.

NobleAg

Oakley Transport, Inc.

Over the Hill Gang

Progress Truss

Martini Bar Sponsor: Bolton’s Towing Service, Inc.

Gator Industries

Corporate Table Sponsors:

Amerity Wealth Management - Brian Pearce

Bill & Amy Lewis

Haven Magazine

Six/Ten United Rentals

Six/Ten Sky Powersports

Square 1 Construction

T&L Utility Services, Inc.

The Snively Brothers Winter Haven Hospital

Koozie Sponsor: SouthState Bank

Beverage Cart Sponsors:

Budget Auto Parts - Auburndale Haven Magazine

Lasseigne & Ladner PA - Attorneys at Law

New Electric, LLC - Frank & Janet Csomos

Straughn & Turner

ORLANDO TOP 10

FLY THROUGH THE TREES

Throughout June at Orlando Tree Trek. Ticket includes the giant 425’ zipline, 97 aerial challenges, 2 kids courses with 21 challenges, climbing and safety instruction, and all necessary safety equipment. Kids ages 6+ (at least 47 inches) can swing on Tarzan ropes, climb ladders 50-feet up, leap into hanging nets, cross wobbly suspended bridges, navigate swinging logs, and more. Reservations required. orlandotreetrek.com

SUMMER SAFARI

June 6, 6:30 – 10 p.m. at the Central Florida Zoo. This is for kids only, ages 5-12. The evening will be full of hands-on activities, games, and animal encounters, as they explore the zoo after dark. They’ll discover how animals survive in the night and learn what glows in the dark. Then they’ll make a cool craft and enjoy a snack, all before the grownups come back! Ticket required. centralfloridazoo.org

ONE MAGICAL WEEKEND

June 4 – 8 at Disney World. One of the most anticipated LGBTQ+ multi-day events in the U.S. Held during the first weekend of June each year, it brings together thousands of guests from around the world for curated night events, parties, and after-hours. This celebration of pride has evolved into a beloved tradition that continues to expand with world-class DJ lineups and immersive entertainment. mw2026.com

APOLLO 13 (1995)

June 11, 8 p.m. at Central Park in Winter Park. “Popcorn Flicks in the Park” is a free event, just bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. “Houston, we have a problem.” An oxygen tank explosion turns what was expected to be a routine lunar mission in 1970 into a race for survival in this real-life drama starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton. enzian.org

VOLCANO BAY UNDER THE STARS

June 5, 12, 18, & 25 at Volcano Bay at Universal. Get exclusive access to all attractions from 7 - 11 p.m. This event includes the Beach Bash with live DJ, games and activities for the whole family, specialty-themed island treats and beverages, DreamWorks character meet and greets, and more. Reservations required, limited ticket sales. universalorlando.com

ZOODIO 50 DISCO PARTY

June 13, 6 p.m. at the Central Florida Zoo. Step back into 1975 for a night celebrating 50 years of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens at its current location. Join for an evening of disco, dinner, and dancing, where guests are invited to dress in their best ‘70s style for a one-night-only celebration at the Zoo! Purchase tickets in advance. centralfloridazoo.org

COMMUNITY RAINBOW RUN

June 6, 7 a.m. at City Hall Plaza in Orlando. This 4.9k race was started by UCF graduate students in 2017 to mark the one-year anniversary of the Pulse tragedy. Their vision was to help the community navigate the healing process, recognizing that running, walking, and spending time with others can foster connection and collective strength. Register at pulseorlando.org.

ANIME FESTIVAL

June 19 – 21 at Rosen Plaza. Guests from across the anime and gaming industries will be there to meet fans, present panels, sign autographs, & give performances. Visit the allweekend-long Game Show Theater to test your anime knowledge and game show skills. The cosplay contest will show the best in Central Florida, plus there will be the most fun vendors to shop from. animefestivalorlando.com

REALLY REALLY FREE MARKET

June 6, 8 a.m. - noon at Orlando Festival Park. This is a community gathering where participants give away usable items, skills, food, entertainment, games, and many other things that a community can share. This is a 100 percent free and non-commercial event (no bartering or advertising), created by all the participants that show up each month. More info on Instagram @reallyfreeorlando.

June 23, 7 p.m. at Judson’s Live at the Dr. Phillips Center. LA-based pianist Paul Cornish and his trio blend piano jazz with the rhythms of soul, R&B and hip-hop influences. A prolific and sought-after jazz prodigy, Paul placed as a finalist in the prestigious Herbie Hancock International Jazz Competition. drphillipscenter.org

TAMPA TOP 10

AMERICAN VICTORY SHIP & MUSEUM

MINI-POWERBOAT RENTAL

Experience Tampa’s waterways with a 9.9HP mini powerboat from the Riverwalk Boating Company. The user-friendly mini-powerboats make it easy for everyone to navigate the scenic Hillsborough River and beyond, no prior boating experience necessary. Sail past Davis Islands mansions, or see Tampa’s skyline from a fresh perspective. Details at riverwalkboating.com.

June 5 & 6 on the St. Pete Pier. For the first time, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series comes to Florida. This is one of six stops for these world-class divers competing for the championship title. Fans can watch from various vantage points across the pier’s expansive public spaces, elevated walkways, and open decks, or from boats anchored in the bay for a front-row view from the water. redbull.com

SUMMER NIGHTS

Throughout June at Busch Gardens. Enjoy world-class coasters, entertainment and more during extended summer hours. Stick around for nightly excitement at the Boom Box Dance Party in Stanleyville, and rock out with Beach Bash in Gwazi Plaza. Try delicious seasonal bites all night long. This event is included with park admission. buschgardens.com

COME FROM AWAY

June 11 – 28 at The Straz. The Tony Award–winning musical that turns an extraordinary true story into an unforgettable celebration of hope and humanity. Set in the days after 9/11, this vibrant, fast-paced show follows the surprising friendships and heartfelt moments that unfold when 7,000 stranded passengers are welcomed into the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. strazcenter.org

One of only three fully-operational Victory Class WWII ships remaining. Visitors can come aboard a fullyfunctioning 1940s era steamship and relive history by visiting cavernous three-level cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, hospital, galley, weaponry, steering stations, flying bridge, mess halls, engine room, crew cabins, and more. This boat served in WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. americanvictory.org

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

June 15 – 20 at the Raymond James Stadium. This week-long festival creates inclusive spaces that educate, entertain, and uplift. There is a Youth Summit, Health & Wellness Conference, Community Symposium, Cultural Couture Ball, Family Fun Day, and the Juneteenth Festival Day. Find a complete schedule at roctheblockinc.com.

SUMMER SALSA CLASS

June 4, 7 – 9 p.m. at Armature Works. Step into the rhythm for one unforgettable evening of salsa dancing. The night begins with a guided lesson to get you moving with confidence, followed by a live DJ and an open dance floor to keep the energy going. All levels welcome, no partner needed. Register in advance at armatureworks.com.

WATERMELON WEEKEND

June 27 & 28, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Keel Farms in Plant City. Enjoy a full weekend of watermelon-themed fun, including: kids fun zones, bounce houses & water slides, watermelon eating contests, seasonal wines & ciders, food trucks, vendor market, and all things watermelon! Free admission, $10 parking. More info on FB @keelfarmsfl.

THE DALI DOZEN

June 5, 6:30 p.m. at The Dali. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Dalí at an exclusive one-night art event featuring 12 local artists selected by the Zodiac Membership Committee, who will share their talents. Guests will have the opportunity to explore a variety of works by featured artists, light hors d’oeuvres, and cash bars. Purchase tickets in advance. thedali.org

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (2006)

June 28, 6:30 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf. This is a free outdoor singalong screening for the whole family. Join Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, and Ryan for a nostalgic night of sweet teenage angst. The first 100 guests will also receive a free LED fan and a free bag of Tampa Theatre’s famous popcorn. No ticket required, limited seating. tampatheatre.org

People & Places of Polk County

The second annual photo contest developed into quite the picture-perfect conundrum. We received an incredible 142 photo submissions, and choosing which ones to feature inside this issue was no easy decision. We got silly photos, so much nature, kids, architecture, and the iconic landmarks we all love. Thank you to everyone who shared their talent with us and helped make this year’s contest better than ever! Thanks to the Central Florida Photo Club for helping to organize.

You’re invited!

Meet the photographers and see the photos up close June 5, 5-8 pm

Destroyer Media 326 Ave C SW, Winter Haven

8 NEW DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM LAKELAND

Avelo Airlines now has 8 direct flights from Lakeland Linder International Airport. Enjoy destinations such as Rochester, Wilmington, Concord, San Juan and more. Plus, enjoy everyday low fares and no change or cancellation fees. Book your flight now at AveloAir.com

BLOOMS & BRUSHES

EVERY THURSDAY THIS SUMMER · 10:30AM - 12:00PM

JUNE 4 · FLYING PAPER BUTTERFLY JULY 2 · PAPER PLATE WATER LILY

JUNE 11 · FLOWER PRESS JULY 9 · WANDS & BUBBLES

JUNE 18 · NATURE MOBILE JULY 16 · GARDEN FINGER PUPPETS

JUNE 25 · COTTON BALL RAINBOW JULY 23 · GARDEN SUNCATCHERS JULY 30 · PAPER PLATE GARDEN

FAIRY FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS FREE ADMISSION

ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

JUNE 25-26, JULY 30-31, AUGUST 27-28

SWIFTIE SUMMER SOIREE

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 · ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

NATURAL FAIRY HOUSE BUILDING CLASS

SATURDAY, JUNE 19 · ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

FOSSIL FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 EXPERIENCE

REFLECTIONS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Richard’s Fine Coffees Turns 30

In 2026, the world moves faster than ever. We order food from our phones, work remotely, and spend much of our lives communicating through screens. Yet somehow, coffee shops still matter, maybe now more than ever.

As we celebrate 30 years of this little coffee shop being part of the community, I’ve found myself reflecting on what a place like this truly means today. Yes, people come in for coffee, breakfast, or a quick stop before work. But after spending the last two and a half years carrying the torch, I’ve realized it becomes so much more than that.

It becomes part of people’s routines and lives.

Some stop in every single morning before work. Some meet friends here every week. Students study for exams at the same tables year after year. Families gather after church. Business meetings happen over lattes. And sometimes people simply come in because they need a quiet place to sit, think, and breathe for a moment.

Coffee may bring people through the door, but connection is what keeps them coming back.

Continuing a legacy such as this came with a unique kind of pressure. This place already mattered deeply to the community long before I arrived. I wasn’t building something from scratch - I was stepping into something that already carried memories, traditions, and meaning within so many.

That responsibility shaped me quickly.

There’s a balance between honoring what people have always loved about a place while also helping it grow and evolve. Over the last couple of years, I’ve worked hard to preserve the warmth and familiarity people expect when they walk through the doors while also modernizing parts of the business and creating new experiences for customers.

Owning a coffee shop in 2026 is very different than it was even a decade ago. Rising costs, staffing challenges, changing customer habits, social media, online ordering, and constant ‘like minded businesses’ create an environment where small businesses have to adapt continuously. Customers want more than just a good drink now. They want atmosphere, consistency, personality, and authenticity - places that feel real. And honestly, I think people are craving that more than ever.

In a world that often feels disconnected, local coffee shops still create spaces where people can slow down and interact face-to-face. That’s something incredibly valuable, and it’s something I never fully understood until I became responsible for maintaining it every day.

This journey has challenged me in ways I never expected. There have been early mornings, long nights, difficult decisions, stressful moments, and plenty of lessons learned along the way. This business is not just about serving coffee. It’s about learning how to lead people, solve problems quickly, adapt constantly, and continue showing up even on hard days. There were moments where growth felt impossible and moments where success felt overwhelming. But every challenge shaped me not only as a business owner, but also as a person. One thing I’ve learned is that success is not always measured in numbers. Success can look like customers walking through the doors and immediately feeling comfortable. It’s hearing someone say this place helped them through a hard season of life. It’s watching employees gain confidence and grow. It’s seeing friendships, conversations, and relationships form inside these walls.

That’s what makes places like this special.

One of the most rewarding parts of these last couple of years has been witnessing how much this community supports local businesses. Small businesses survive because people choose them intentionally. Every purchase made locally supports families, jobs, and relationships right here in our city. That support is something I never take for granted.

As we celebrate 30 years, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for everyone who has helped shape this place over the years from the previous owner, employees, customers, families, and community members alike. Every person who has walked through the doors has contributed to the story in some way.

Looking ahead, I honestly don’t know exactly what the next 30 years will look

like, and I think that’s okay. What I do know is that I want this place to continue feeling welcoming, personal, and communitycentered. I want people to walk in and feel at home. I want to continue creating experiences that bring people together and preserve the sense of connection that has always made this place special.

The world will continue changing, technology will continue evolving, and businesses will continue adapting. But I believe there will always be something important about having a place where people can gather, slow down, and simply connect with one another.

After 30 years, that still means everything.

330 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

THE STORYTELLER STRIKES BACK:

THE RETURN OF THE GREAT STORYTELLER TO POLK COUNTY

LOCAL AUTHOR, DWIGHT L. MACPHERSON

It all started with a Show and Tell session gone spectacularly off script. Five-year-old Dwight L. MacPherson marched to the front of his elementary school classroom ready to share his latest outdoor adventure—and share he did. But when his tale took a sudden left turn involving “a gorilla coming over to talk to his sisters and tell them how to get back home,” his teacher froze, blinked twice, and promptly scheduled a parentteacher conference. Several conferences later, the verdict was unanimous: Dwight wasn’t troubled—he was imaginative to a fault. “I was born to entertain!” he told me the first time we met. And honestly, he hasn’t stopped entertaining me since.

Dwight is pure Michigan. Born in Traverse City (TC to locals), he spent his early years in Rapid City, Applegate, St. Louis, and Kalkaska. But it was the summers at his grandparents’ modest home on Clam Lake that truly shaped him. There’s something unique about growing up around lakes. The sound of water lapping against the shore, the rich earthy scent of the woods, the stillness, and the endless horizon all work their way into your bones. Those places never really leave you. They become part of your creative DNA. For Dwight, those northern waters, quiet roads, and small-town rhythms became the emotional and atmospheric blueprint for so much of the storytelling he would one day create.

He is the son of a preacher, whose father was also a preacher, and like J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, we are all sub-creators, designed by God to create reflections of truth through story. That sacred drive has always been alive in Dwight. Though he has spent most of his life in the South, he remains a Michigander through and through—right down to the University of Michigan “Block M” tattoo on his right arm, honoring the Fab Five, those legendary freshmen who forever changed college basketball culture and left a permanent mark on an entire generation.

His storytelling extends far beyond books. I hate seeing dead animals by the side of the road, and Dwight never misses an opportunity to soften the sadness with humor. “Now how did Mr. Racoonski not make it home last night? I told him to go straight home and not stop for milk. Nothing good happens after 11 PM.” That’s Dwight. Equal parts humorist, storyteller, and eternal observer of the strange little narratives hidden inside everyday life.

His imagination works on frequencies most people don’t even realize exist. Someone once described his writing as “what would happen if Rod Serling and Shirley Jackson collaborated,” and honestly, that may be one of the most accurate descriptions I’ve ever heard. His mind moves in different dimensions, but he never loses sight of what matters most: unforgettable characters, compelling mysteries, and meaningful truths. He has never been interested in hollow spectacle. For him, the heart of every story lies in what it reveals about humanity, morality, fear, and redemption.

Fast forward to Clearwater-Largo Christian School in Clearwater, Florida. There, Dwight and his friend Jeff Earls created a comic called “MECHAEGIS.“ They printed copies locally and approached Geppi’s Comic World—a comic shop

owned by Steve Geppi, who would later found Diamond Comic Distributors. Steve bought every copy and placed them on the shelves. They sold out. And just like that, Dwight knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life: become a comic book writer.

The 1980s fueled that dream perfectly—”Star Wars”, MTV, “The Goonies”, Michael Jackson, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” It was an era overflowing with imagination, practical effects, larger-than-life adventures, and stories that weren’t afraid to be bold. Every corner of pop culture seemed to whisper the same thing: create something unforgettable. Dwight listened.

But life, as it often does, took him on a different journey first.

Dwight served 14 years in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic, with assignments across the United States, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Military life gave him discipline, resilience, and a deeper understanding of humanity under pressure. It exposed him to hardship, sacrifice, and the realities of life and death in ways that profoundly shaped his perspective. Those experiences didn’t diminish his imagination, they sharpened it.

It was near the DMZ in Korea where the seeds for “Dead Men Tell No Tales” began to grow—a historical pirate epic bringing together Captain Kidd, Blackbeard, and Black Bart Roberts. The scope was ambitious, requiring intense historical research and narrative precision. Years of artistic and publishing challenges delayed the project, but thankfully it was published… because that graphic novel is what ultimately brought us together.

In 2007, while I was working on various studio lots in Los Angeles by day and at Meltdown Comics by night, I stumbled upon “Dead Men Tell No Tales” in the pirate section. I bought it. Read it. Loved it. Then I contacted the publisher to ask whether the rights were available. Instead, they connected me directly to the writer.

Two years—and roughly a million Google chats—later, we were married. In one extraordinary day, I became a wife and mother to three incredible boys. Our partnership has always been rooted in creativity, faith, resilience, and a shared belief that stories matter.

Dwight would go on to create the award-winning series “SIDEWISE” for DC Comics, write for publishers across the U.S. and UK, and earn both Harvey and Eisner nominations. But perhaps his most cherished recognition is the Saturday Visiter Award from the Poe Society of Baltimore for “The Imaginary Voyages of Edgar Allan Poe”—a deeply personal love letter to one of his greatest literary inspirations. To receive the same award once won by Edgar Allan Poe himself was something truly extraordinary. For a writer whose work so often explores shadow, mystery, and the fragile line between reality and nightmare, it felt less like an award and more like a fullcircle moment.

In 2014, we relocated to Lakeland, Florida, a place that, fittingly enough, was filled with lakes. In 2017, we co-founded Hocus Pocus Comics, creating a home for stories told on our terms, free from the suffocating constraints of traditional publishing. Over

eight years, we produced nine graphic novels, each one bending genres and expectations while proving that independent creators could still build something meaningful and lasting.

But I always knew there was something even larger waiting. Comics are wonderful, but they are also, as I often describe them, like herding cats. Coordinating artists, deadlines, layouts, and production pipelines can sometimes overshadow pure storytelling. And deep down, I knew Dwight had novels inside him. Bigger worlds. Deeper mysteries. Stories that needed room to breathe without limitation.

I told him to write what he knew. And from that simple truth, “Welcome to Waadizi, Michigan!” was born. A small Northern Michigan town. A lake with secrets. A place where charm and menace exist side by side. The idea of hidden darkness beneath idyllic places isn’t new—but Dwight has always had a gift for taking familiar concepts and making them feel wholly original, unsettling, and unforgettable. Waadizi is more than a setting. It feels alive. It breathes. It watches.

For me, Waadizi also evokes memories of my own time in Plymouth, New Hampshire, a quintessential small town with lakes, rivers, and postcard-perfect beauty. Small towns are comforting. Until they aren’t. Because sometimes what you don’t see can be the most dangerous thing of all. That duality is where Dwight thrives creatively: the beautiful and the terrifying, the nostalgic and the sinister, the sacred and the corrupted. He understands that true horror often works best not when it shouts, but when it quietly unsettles something deep inside us.

Dwight is already hard at work on the next chapter of “The Waadizi Cycle.” And if there is one thing I know for certain, it’s this: You may think you know where Dwight’s stories are going … but he will always surprise you. He doesn’t simply tell stories. He builds worlds, invites readers inside, and then quietly locks the door behind them.

As Jack Black said while portraying R.L. Stine: “Every story ever told can be broken down into three parts: The beginning, the middle, and the twist.”

Dwight has mastered the twist.

Whether through comics, novels, or the ever-expanding creative ventures we continue building together, his work has always been driven by one simple goal: tell unforgettable stories that matter. And trust me—he’s only getting started.

“Welcome to Waadizi, Michigan!” is available now in paperback, hardcover, and eBook on Amazon, with the eBook also available through Kindle Unlimited.

Go Blue!

madscot.net

Instagram @dwight.macpherson

TikTok: @dwightmacphersonauthor

PRESENTS

THE GREAT POLK PET SHOWDOWN WINNERS!

“I will wear whatever anyone wants to put on me! I will also eat anything crunchy. My favorite thing to do is to be around my people, I love them. Christian Slater will play me when Hollywood decides to make a film about my life.”

“I’m named after Phineas from the cartoon Phineas and Ferb! And probably just like you, I love to eat algae pellets. They’re my fave. In fact, I like to suction upside down under the plants in my tank and eat ALL the algae I can find. The answer to the last question, who would play me in a movie? Tom Holland. Fins down, he’s the best choice.”

“I may have the best hair, but I also have a really great bunny slipper that I take everywhere with me. I love, love, LOVE to play fetch, and when I have chicken for dinner, I’m so happy. If I had to guess, I’d say Jackie Chan would play me in a movie about my life.”

“This is what I won? I was born this way. My face always looks angry. I’m actually very sweet! Trust me! I’m pretty easy to take care of. I’ll eat anything my humans give me, and my favorite activity is sleeping! Don’t laugh, but if they made a movie about my life, Bea Arthur would play me.”

FERDINAND

MOO. Moo mooo mooooo. Moo moooooo moo, moo mer mer moo. Moo moo moooo. Moooooooo, and moo. MOO!

PEPPERMINT PATTIE GONIA III aka LOIS

Best Cat

“I will yell at you for belly rubs. All. The. Time. Every time I see you, belly rubs will be demanded ... unless there are churus around. I need more churus! You know what makes me happy? Attacking that darn TV. Even when it’s not turned on, I want to attack it. When they make a movie about me, Winnie Harlow will play me.”

“Interesting fact about me: my breed was bred to hunt small animals, but I get scared when lizards chase me. My favorite treat to eat is blueberries, and I really love to play with my other doggie friends, they make me so happy. If I had to guess who would play me in a movie, it would be Kevin Hart - big personality in a small package.”

TEDDY

Pick

“I love to take my bed everywhere, I love to hide under curtains, and I live for tummy rubs. I’m also a mommy’s boy, a little bit of a troublemaker, and I take my cozy naps very seriously. If you have chicken, I want it. My most favorite activity is running. I just love it, I’ll run anywhere, anytime. Adam Sandler would be the best choice to play me in a movie. Did I mention that I love running? I love to run.”

A Short Story

By Jeremy Gardner

The widow swan had followed him.

Tinker was sure of it. Forget the fact that birds didn’t do that. Stalk people. Hold grudges. Seek vengeance. They couldn’t do that. Birds had little gumball brains. It was an absurd idea to even consider, and yet, there it was. Waiting for him at the end of the little dock that swayed in the chop of the lake like a huge loose tooth. Three hundred miles from where he’d left it, honking and flapping around the lifeless pile of its partner.

Tink had been a hero once. He hit four homeruns and plowed straight through the right field wall to clinch a state championship when he was seventeen. He’d been dining out on that catch for a decade. He loved the attention, always had. On her deathbed, his mother had said to him, “Tink, baby, I love you, but if you woke up alone in the desert tomorrow, you’d die from lack of attention before you died of thirst.”

“Yeah, well, if you woke up in the desert tomorrow, you’d die of bone cancer before you died of thirst.” He wished he could take it back. Three days later she did just that.

After his playing career stalled out in single-A ball, he crawled back home and took a job at his family’s sprawling

auto mart. He made commercials where he smashed high prices with his baseball bat. He knocked hidden fees “out of the park.” His nose still looked like a garlic bulb. His blood-stained jersey still hung in a big shadowbox in the halls of Barlow High. At least it did before the thing with the swan.

It all happened so fast. The way most things did when he was shitfaced. He had sniffed out a party and crashed it. High school kids. There were keg stands and whisky shots and bong rips and at some point, someone handed him a baseball bat. It felt good in his hands. A security blanket. In the backyard, on the edge of a pond, there was a swan. He crept down to the shoreline, giggling. No one thought he would actually do it.

When he swung, it sounded like a rock hitting a windshield. Stupid bird never even moved. Its little round head just sat there on its long white neck in the moonlight like a brand new ball on a tee. He hadn’t seen the second swan, sleeping in the reeds, until it started shrieking.

Everyone gasped and screamed and some hotshot varsity football asshole hauled off and socked him in the face.

At the Car Farm the next day someone had written in blood across the windshields of four showcase cars on the edge of the lot, SWANS. MATE. FOR. LIFE. The letters were all stuck through with feathers.

There was a video from the party. It was getting around. When his brother told him he couldn’t be associated with the business anymore, at least not for a while, Tinker grabbed a set of the showcase keys and tore out of the lot in the MATE car. Everybody knew where he was going. Nobody stopped him.

Years earlier, Tinker’s father went missing during a weekend fishing trip to his little cabin on Lake Misty. The night of his disappearance he made three phone calls, starting at one in the morning, one after the other, to each of his kids. All three went unanswered.

Shortly thereafter, depending on who you asked, Big Zud had either made his way to the Hotdish Diner and run off with the waitress or caught a ride out of town with a long haul trucker like some goddamned hippy drifter, or; he got drunk, pulled a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and went fishin’ in the dark and drowned.

There was, of course, a third theory:

That the things that had always haunted the lake, that chirped and chittered in the woods at night and flooded the windows of the cabin with strange pulsing lights suggesting a code he couldn’t crack; and that compelled the disconnected phone and the unplugged stereo and TV to ring and whine and buzz with static, had actually, finally, taken him.

This was, predictably, a scenario to which no one afforded any real weight or consideration. The squat, stupid local cops laughed at the suggestion. Their ruddy cheeks flapping like fat, slapped asses. The yokels whispered and rolled their eyes and shook their heads.

Tinker, however, knew it to be true to the marrow in his bones. His father would never just disappear. He wasn’t stupid enough to fall off his boat, nor had he ever been too drunk to kick his feet if he did.

Zud wasn’t in the lake.

And until he fished his skeleton up off the bottom or out of the cattails with his own two hands, or cut him out of the guts of a gator with his own damned knife, Tinker would swear to it, on his dead dad’s grave, that his dad wasn’t actually dead.

It was the reason he had come to the cabin in the first place. To find proof.

Certainly not because he’d been run out of Barlow for killing some stupid bird.

For three days at the cabin the swan tormented him. It followed him around the property, close enough to pester him, but a safe enough distance away to alight any time Tinker charged after it. It honked incessantly, day and night. It roosted on the eaves of the cabin and shit on his head when he stepped outside in the morning.

It seemed to be getting bigger, too. On the fourth day, he was sure of it. He awoke to a cannonade on the aluminum jetty. The swan was stomping up and down the length of it. The size of a mastiff. Tinker screamed at it. Bluff-charged it with his baseball bat. It stormed up the hill toward him and he ducked inside.

At night, he rifled through his father’s things, looking for clues. Big Zud had more stuffed fish on the walls than pictures of his kids. Tinker drank his dad’s whisky, finished the chess game he’d abandoned halfway. Somehow, he lost. Outside, the bird sounded like a storm siren.

By day five the swan was the size of a horse. The dock was sunk. There were feathers everywhere as big as Chinese hand fans. Tinker threw rocks at it from the porch. He still had a hell of an arm.

Just after midnight he’d had to barricade the front door with a chest of drawers and the living room couch. The swan seemed to be outside every window at once, sounding its trumpet like Gabriel. Windows shattered, hinges creaked.

Then the phone rang. The old one on the wall with curly cord. It wasn’t plugged in. It rang again. Tinker answered. He listened as his father told him he never should have come here. That there was a reason he always called it Lake Mistake. They followed you up here, and they got bigger and bigger, until they were big enough to eat you alive.

Just then, an orange beak the size of a car hood peeled the roof off the cabin and plucked him up like a worm from the wet earth.

JUNE 1 - JULY 26 JUNE 1 - JULY 26

Bob Gernert, Community Historian

Beneath the Chinaberry Tree: Vignettes from Polk County’s

History

BILTMORE SHORES: THE MAYBERRY THAT WAS

Less than a decade after the end of the Second World War, the men and women who had trained at Bartow Air Base and encountered Florida for the first time in uniform were coming back — this time with families, furniture, and the intention to stay. Housing couldn’t keep up. Developers who could read a map and a moment were platting groves as fast as the surveyors could work.

One of those groves was on the north side of Havendale Boulevard, in the city’s northwest quadrant adjacent to Inwood. Bounded by Lake Jessie to the north, Havendale to the south, 29th Street to the east, and Jersey Road to the west, it became Biltmore Shores — and the families arrived quickly enough that it felt, to those who were there, less like a subdivision being built than a neighborhood being born.

Bryan Owen was among the first ten to purchase a lot, paying $3,400 in 1954 for a parcel fronting Lake Jessie. Ray Leis sold him the land; he and George Leis appear to have been the developers. Chester and Wallace Tucker built the Owen home, as they did several others in the neighborhood, and the family moved in in 1955. Patti Rulli White’s family paid $5,300 for their home the same year. The names filling in around them — Terry, Bray, Varner, Steinmetz, Stotz, Boucher, Pierce, Schoonover, Duncanson, Wing, Wulff, Nelson, McDowell, Williams, Wright, Ortagus, Irby — were almost all young parents with children of similar ages, which gave the neighborhood, from its earliest days, the character of a place where everyone was in the same moment of life at the same time.

A new Garner Elementary School had just been constructed nearby, which was a significant selling point. So was the fact that each new home came with grapefruit trees in the yard.

The children of Biltmore Shores grew up in the particular freedom that the 1950s and early 1960s allowed. Bikes left in the morning and returned at dinner. Doors went unlocked. Sandra Wing Hudson remembers riding her bicycle downtown to the Ritz Theatre, “something I wouldn’t think of letting my grandchildren do today.” Heavy summer rains would flood the intersection of Hickory Street and 29th Street with three or four inches of water, and a number of children would arrive with skimboards to hydroplane across the asphalt underneath. The main problem, as Wynn Ostrander recalls, was falling. Raw knees were a summer constant.

Popular destinations included the Dog and Suds Drive-In — now Dino’s — for hot dogs and root beer, where some residents recall buying their first experimental pack of cigarettes. A trampoline center called Jumpin’ Gymany operated at the corner of 29th Street NW and Havendale during the early 1960s craze for such things. The Jiffy Food Store, now Trader’s Pawn, served the neighborhood’s

immediate needs. Patti White and friend Melissa McDowell played Yankees and Rebels in the carport. Melissa also remembers a family somewhere on the street that was said to keep a puma in their backyard. When asked for the family’s name, she was direct: “I didn’t know the adult. I was a young girl walking down the far side of the street.”

One neighbor watered his lawn before each outing, then drove his airboat from Lake Jessie directly to the house to save steps — a detail that requires no embellishment.

Ronnie Owen’s family was among the first to build. Their house overlooked Lake Jessie, and before long aunts, uncles, and grandparents had also moved into the neighborhood, which was either the definition of community or the end of privacy, depending on your perspective. Owen learned to water ski by age eight. He had a private fort in the bay tree in the vacant lot next door. He remembers being awakened, before the house had air conditioning, by the sound of loud piston-driven Air Force planes flying from Bartow to Winter Haven’s Gilbert Field.

By twelve he was using the family boat to travel the Chain of Lakes visiting friends — Mary Helyn Begley, Richard Parks, Steve Vines, Bo James — to ski. A five-gallon tank of fuel cost $1.50. He earned spending money mowing lawns, selling greeting cards to neighbors who, he suspects, bought them out of pity, and selling Grit newspapers at the Winn Dixie near Auburndale.

Lake Jessie was the neighborhood’s front yard. About a third of the shoreline was airport property and left undeveloped. Owen’s father bought a sailboat from the Jaycees and Ronnie spent hours on the water with his transistor radio, a jug of iced tea, and his dog Nicky — returning home when his mother rang a farm bell that had come down from his father’s family in Kentucky.

After Christmas each year, he and his brother Steve would rope discarded Christmas trees to their bikes and drag them to the vacant side lot, where they would eventually ignite the accumulated pile into a bonfire that, by Owen’s account, lit up the night sky. Steve’s son is Jake Owen, the country music singer. The bonfires may have been formative.

The neighborhood had its business people too. The Wright family opened Wright’s Cleaners, first on Havendale and later on Avenue G NW. The Varner family operated the first KFC franchise on Sixth Street NW downtown. Shannon Steinmetz ran Standard TV electronic repair on Central Park, and Jane Pierce was a popular local radio host. Mrs. Schoonover, a seamstress, opened Schoonover’s Costume Shop, which outlasted the neighborhood’s earliest era and moved to Havendale.

Helen Patton used to make the neighborhood children biscuits with chocolate gravy. Red Sox star Rico Petrocelli rented the house next to the Barnes family during spring training and would bring his children over to swim in their pool after games.

Mayberry, as Owen put it. That is exactly what it was.

Biltmore Shores also knew grief. Officer Gordon Stotz of the Winter Haven Police Department was killed in the line of duty in March 1956 — the first WHPD officer to die in service. He left behind his wife, Hazel, and two young children, Gary and Cheryl. A neighborhood that close-knit does not absorb a loss like that without carrying it.

Father Ron Owen — the boy who sailed Lake Jessie with his dog and his transistor radio, who dragged Christmas trees home with a rope and a bicycle — is now an Episcopal priest living in Orlando. He offered the summary that no amount of descriptive writing could improve upon: “Growing up then was an idyllic experience that cannot today be replicated. All in all, the folks in the neighborhood were Mayberry folks. They cared about each other and were genuinely nice.”

Sources: Biltmore Shores Facebook group recollections of Biltmore Shores alumni including Patti Rulli White, Bob Bray, Tom Patton, Wynn Ostrander, and Ron Owen.

WORDS

Shannon Carnevale

Natural Resources and Conservation Extension Agent

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

NONNATIVE SPECIES IN FLORIDA’S HEARTLAND

In Florida, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a plant that simply grows aggressively and one that truly threatens local ecosystems. But for land managers, conservation groups, and scientists across Central Florida, invasive species are one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the region today.

In April 2026, residents and biologists across the five-county Heartland Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (Heartland CISMA) recognized a major milestone: more than 25,000 observations of introduced species had been documented through iNaturalist. The project, which includes Polk County and surrounding areas, highlights just how widespread nonnative species have become and how valuable public participation can be in tracking them.

This milestone is important because tracking all introduced species, also known as nonnative species, is our best early warning system. There is an important distinction to make here: an invasive species is more than simply a species from somewhere else. While a species is considered nonnative simply because it was brought here from another part of the world, to be considered “invasive,” the following must be true.

• The species must be nonnative to the area of consideration.

• The species must have been introduced, intentionally or unintentionally.

• The species causes, or is likely to cause, environmental harm, economic harm, and/or harm to humans.

Florida’s warm climate, abundant rainfall, and extensive trade and travel networks make the state especially vulnerable to invasive plants and animals. By logging nonnative species, community scientists help professionals catch the disruptive species before they get out of hand.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF INVASIVE SPECIES FOUND HERE

Invasive species can be plants, animals, viruses, bacteria, or any other kind of living thing. Two invasive species familiar to many Central Florida residents are cogongrass and the Cuban treefrog. While one spreads silently through fields, roadsides, and yards, the other frequently pops up around our homes, clinging to porches and outdoor lights. Both can disrupt native ecosystems in significant ways.

COGONGRASS

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is one of the Southeast’s most aggressive invasive plants, and it is practically everywhere in Florida. Spotting it is easy once you know what to look for. Unmanaged, it covers fields, roadsides, pastures, and more. It’s 2-4 ft tall spring-green grass with fluffy white seed heads.

In fall, it can get a bronzed look. Up close, the leaves feature a prominent, off-center white mid-vein and serrated edges reminiscent of native sawgrass.

Polk County land managers actively treat it across the county, but you are just as likely to find it in yards, along lakes, and on fencelines. It can withstand routine mowing for years, slowly expanding outward in a circular pattern until it covers a property. The real giveaway happens if you go out of town for a week or two during the summer. Without constant maintenance, cogongrass shoots up so fast and grows so densely that standard residential lawnmowers can’t easily cut through it … turning a manicured lawn into an exceptionally difficult weed-control battle.

If you think you have cogongrass growing in your yard or on your lakefront, call us at the extension office for recommendations. Treatment is complex and becomes more challenging the larger the patch gets, so don’t wait. Call us at 863-519-1051.

CUBAN TREEFROGS

Another species many Floridians encounter and are usually more familiar with is the Cuban treefrog. Larger than most native treefrogs, Cuban treefrogs are often found around porch lights, garages, outdoor plumbing fixtures, and hiding inside patio umbrellas.

Unlike native treefrogs, Cuban treefrogs prey heavily on smaller frogs and lizards. They also compete with native species for shelter and food. In some cases, they can even clog plumbing or cause failure to electrical equipment. Because they thrive around developed areas, they provide an example of how urban and suburban environments can unintentionally support invasive species. Many communities in Polk County are overrun with this species, and it may be the only treefrog species residents are seeing in their area.

You can recognize Cuban treefrog adults by the color and immense size. These frogs can be over 4 inches in length and are often a light tan or cement grey color with a textured skin. They have very large eyes and toepads. As young frogs, they have reddish eyes and may have an eye band or mask. For information on identifying and removing Cuban treefrogs from your community, visit: ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW259

WHY IS IT SO COMPLICATED?

One reason invasive species is confusing is that not all nonnative species are harmful. In fact, biologists often point to a general “Tens Rule”: it is estimated that only 10% of introduced species successfully establish themselves in the wild, and only 10% of those become invasive. Ultimately, that means only about 1% of all newly introduced species ever cause problems. When speaking of landscaping plants, this leaves homeowners with a massive variety of safe, beautiful landscaping options that will never threaten our ecosystems.

But for land managers, finding that disruptive 1% requires keeping an eye on the other 99%. That is exactly why the Heartland CISMA project tracks all introduced species, rather than just known invaders. Through iNaturalist and other community science platforms like EDDMapS, Central Florida residents photograph and upload observations from places like Tiger Creek Preserve, Colt Creek State Park, Circle B Bar Preserve, or the Van Fleet Trail. Experts then help identify the species reported which builds a database that supports local management decisions.

Residents can help protect our native species and ecosystems in three major ways:

• Report unusual species sightings through platforms like iNaturalist.

• Remove invasive species from your yard, if found

• Prevent their spread by choosing native or Florida-Friendly landscaping.

As Central Florida grows, public participation is more important than ever. Those 25,000 logged observations are proof that local residents are paying attention and helping protect Polk County’s ecosystems for the future.

For more information about nonnative and invasive species, including recommendations for management, visit my article notes page at https://go.ufl.edu/havenlkld

WORDS

Anne Yasalonis

Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Residential Horticulture

GROWING PALMS IN YOUR CENTRAL FLORIDA YARD

With summer approaching, it’s a good time to talk about palms. Planting palms in the summer months allows them time to develop a solid root system and take advantage of summer rainfall. Palms are different than many plants in your landscape and require special care. Proper selection, planting, watering, and fertilization are key to healthy palms in central Florida yards.

RIGHT PALM, RIGHT PLACE

Your Central Florida yard falls within USDA Zones 9b–10a, meaning palms must tolerate occasional cold temperatures and winter cold snaps. Many tropical palms that thrive in south Florida may struggle during and after cold weather, as we found out in 2025.

Cold-hardy palms for Central Florida landscapes include:

• Sabal Palm

• Needle Palm

• Carnaday Wax Palm

• Pindo Palm

• European Fan Palm

• Seashore Palm

• Chinese Fan Palm

These palms are all featured in the Florida-Friendly demonstration garden at the UF/IFAS Extension Service in Bartow in the Water Wise Garden. They are labeled and we encourage you to visit to see these palms, how they grow, and what they look like after a cold winter.

PROPER PALM PLANTING TIPS

Now is the time to plant palms! Planting palms is recommended during the summer months when the soil is warm, and roots can establish quickly.

Proper palm planting includes:

• Dig a hole only as deep, or slightly shallower than the root ball. The hole should be twice as wide.

• Water frequently after planting until the palm becomes established.

• Apply mulch (2-3 inches deep) around the base but keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.

• Do not apply fertilizer when planting.

• Stake the palm as needed. Staking palms is different than staking trees.

Palms generally prefer well-drained soil. In poorly drained sites, roots may decline, leading to nutrient deficiency symptoms and reduced growth.

PALM NUTRITION IS IMPORTANT

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is using turf fertilizer on palms. Palms have very different nutritional needs from lawns and shrubs. Additionally, palms in Florida are often nutrient deficient when grown in, or near, a fertilized lawn, which can lead to an unsightly appearance such as yellow fronds, brown and abnormal frond tips, streaking, spotting and other presentations.

Use a specialized palm fertilizer with a fertilizer analysis of 8-0-12+4Mg. The first three numbers represent the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and the fourth number is for magnesium (Mg). The fertilizer should also contain micronutrients. It is also important to look for a palm fertilizer that has nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium in slow-release form and that most of the micronutrients are in water soluble form. Correcting nutrient deficiencies can take up to 2 to 3 years.

The application and timing method are also important. Palm fertilizer should be applied evenly under the canopy of the palm. Bands of fertilizer or spikes are not recommended since these concentrations may burn the palm roots. In Central Florida, you can fertilize palms three times during the year, skipping a winter fertilizer application.

It is also important to remember that if you are correcting existing nutrient deficiencies, the affected palm fronds will not recover to their preferred appearance. The new fronds will emerge with no symptoms. And, while it is tempting to cut off the unsightly fronds, it is not recommended. These fronds (until fully brown) continue to provide nutrients to the palm. Visually, it can be months to see recovery from a nutrient deficiency once corrected.

PRUNING PALMS

Palms should not be over-pruned, only remove completely dead fronds. Over-pruning weakens palms and may make nutrient deficiencies worse. Avoid “hurricane pruning,” where too many green fronds are removed. This practice stresses the palm and can reduce its health over time.

Avoid injuring palm trunks with nails, climbing spikes, or lawn equipment, as damage can open the door to disease and insect issues. Palms do not heal like our hardwood trees.

PALM PROBLEMS

Some palm issues resemble nutrient deficiencies but may actually be caused by disease, insects, poor drainage, improper maintenance, or improper planting depth. Symptoms such as spear leaf collapse, trunk rot, or severe decline should be evaluated carefully. Our Plant Clinic is always here to help with palm questions.

If you have any questions about growing palms in your central Florida yard, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at: sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are not in Polk County, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic.

To learn more about gardening and landscaping in central Florida, listen to the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast. You can find it wherever you listen or visit our Substack: substack. com/@yourcentralfloridayard for more information. Episode 3 is on palm fertilizer and is helpful to anyone growing palms in Florida. An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ ufl.edu

Check Me Out ;)

JOHN OF JOHN

By Douglas Stuart

John-Calum Macleod is a penniless Edinburgh art school graduate when his overbearing, violent father calls him home to their Isle of Harris croft one August in the ‘90s to help with the sheep and tweed weaving. As lambing season turns to shearing season, the threads holding together the community together become increasingly frayed, and nothing will remain as it was before.

IS THIS A CRY FOR HELP?

By Emily Austin

It’s Darcy’s first day back at the local public library following a two-month mental health leave, and she is met by unrest in her community and protests surrounding intellectual freedom, resulting in a call for book bans and a second look at the branch’s upcoming DEI programs.

MISSING SAM

By Thrity Umrigar

A tense and twisty story of a woman who goes missing on a morning run and her wife’s determination to both find her and clear her own name. A provocative examination of suburban mores, “Missing Sam” captures the terror manifested in today’s political climate, and the real dangers, both physical and psychological, of being brown and queer in America.

THE RED WINTER

By Cameron Sullivan

Debut author Cameron Sullivan tears the heart out of history with this darkly entertaining retelling of the hunt for the Beast of Gévaudan. Lifting the veil on the hidden world behind our own, it reimagines the story of Europe, from Imperial Rome to Saint Jehanne d’Arc, the madness of Gilles de Rais and the first flickers of the French Revolution.

HOMEBOUND

By Portia Elan

It’s 1983, Becks is nineteen and hiding from the fact that her beloved uncle is dead. He left her a halffinished game to complete--one last collaboration to find her way out of loneliness. Little does she know what Becks is making will echo far into the future and shape the lives of a scientist, a sentient automaton, and a flinty sea captain in ways she cannot imagine.

THE CASE OF THE MURDERED MUCKRAKER

By Rob Osler

Twenty-one-year-old junior detective Harriet Morrow is determined to prove she’s more than a lucky hire as the Prescott Agency’s first woman operative. But her latest challenge--a murder case steeped in scandal-could become a deadly setback.

WHIDBEY

By T. Kira Madden

A portrait of three women connected through one man in the aftermath of his murder. “Whidbey” explores the long reach of violence and our flawed systems of incarceration and rehabilitation, and asks the crucial questions about the pursuit of justice and who has real power over a story: the one who lives it, or the one who tells it?

STAR SHIPPED

By Cat Sebastian

Simon and Charlie, actors on a long-running sci-fi show, can’t stand each other and everybody in the industry knows it. With his contract ending, Simon agrees to rehabilitate his image by staging a very public friendship with Charlie. As the two men let their guards down, they find their fake-friendship turning into something very real.

TAKE ME WITH YOU

By Steven Rowley

Jesse’s husband has disappeared in a beam of light from the sky. Now what? In “Take Me With You,” Steven Rowley brings his resonant wit and emotional insight into an epic love story--an exploration of the forces that draw two people into the same orbit and the gravity that threatens to pull them apart.

GET OVER IT, APRIL EVANS

By Ashley Herring Blake

A summer job teaching art at a lake-town resort brings together two women with an unlikely connection: the same ex. As April and Daphne untangle their complicated feelings towards each other, their attraction grows, and they find they might have more in common than just the same ex.

Time Travel, Tampa, and John Titor

“Dear Art, had to fax when I heard other time travelers calling in from any time past the year 2500 AD. Please let me explain. Time travel was invented in 2034. Off-shoots of certain successful fusion reactor research allowed scientists at CERN to produce the world’s first contained singularity engine. The basic design involves rotating singularities inside a magnetic field. By altering the speed and direction of rotation, you can travel both forward and backward in time.

Time itself can be understood in terms of connected lines. When you go back in time, you travel on your original timeline. When you turn your singularity engine off, a new timeline is created due to the fact that you and your time machine are now there. In other words, a new universe is created.

To get back to your original line, you must travel a split second farther back and immediately throw the engine into forward without turning it off.”

— The first fax attributed to John Titor, sent to Art Bell on Coast to Coast AM, July 29, 1998

This month, the strange behind our sunshine will take us into the events of a more recent past and toward the possible future described by a soldier based in Tampa, Florida, from the year 2036 — or the fictional future featured within a fantastic Florida-based hoax. Let me urge you, dear reader, to employ the view which I believe provides the best framework for enjoying this variety of unbelievable.

In the unraveling of an outrageous claim to reality, a new picture emerges: a work of fantasy, a story living in both the real and fictional worlds. Even as we begin to see the strings, as the truth emerges and the curtain slips back to reveal the creators, we are still left with the strange story of someone telling a strange story. A hoax is a creative work, the best leaving behind a loophole to challenge the eventual debunking.

The story of John Titor arrived during a moment already in the midst of a time-centric phenomenon characterized by uncertainty about the future. In the years approaching the Year 2000 — Y2K — widespread anxiety developed around the possibility of technological collapse. Many feared that older computer systems, which often stored years using only the final two digits, would interpret “00” as 1900 rather than 2000. Predictions ranged from harmless software glitches to catastrophic infrastructure failure. Some believed airplanes could fall from the sky, banks could lose financial records, power grids could shut down, or nuclear defense systems could malfunction.

At the same time, night creatures all over the country spent their evenings listening to a late-night talk radio show, one that has provided me with my own treasured method of time travel.

Broadcast to listeners across the country during the quiet hours after midnight, Coast to Coast AM, hosted by Art Bell, blended paranormal speculation, conspiracy theories, UFO encounters, fringe science, prophecy, ghost stories, government secrecy, and open-line callers who claimed firsthand experience with the unexplained, including, but not limited to, callers who suspected they’d married an alien, those who’d experienced visitation by shadow people, vampires and vampire hunters, those who’d worked at Area 51, and, as the subject was one of

Art’s favorites, many nights featured “time lines,” accepting only callers who’d traveled in time. It was on one of these nights in July of 1998 that a fax was sent to Art Bell’s studio and read aloud on-air to listeners across the country. The sender claimed to be a time traveler from the year 2036, stating that time travel would be developed in 2034 as a result of research conducted at CERN, and described a machine using controlled singularities contained within magnetic fields. The message also warned of severe consequences stemming from Y2K, including infrastructure collapse and the eventual breakdown of the United States government.

Between 1998 and 2001, an unidentified individual using the names John Titor and TimeTravel_0 posted messages online claiming to be a U.S. military time traveler from the year 2036. In October 2000, TimeTravel_0 appeared in an IRC chat — a form of real-time internet communication popular in the 1990s, in which users joined shared text channels to converse live — claiming to be a 38-year-old American soldier stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. He stated that his mission was to travel to 1975 to retrieve an IBM 5100 computer and warned of future civil unrest and nuclear conflict.

Later, lengthy explanations of time travel mechanics were posted, reaffirming prior claims that time travel had been invented in 2034. During this period, he revised the target computer from the IBM 5110 to the IBM 5100, even mailing a fragment of an IBM 5110 label to a fellow Time Travel Institute forum member named Pamela, postmarked from Orlando, Florida. Titor claimed the IBM 5100 was required because of its little-known ability to emulate IBM System/370 mainframes and debug legacy systems in 2036 — a capability later confirmed by engineers familiar with the machine. He further stated that his grandfather had worked on the IBM 5100 project, making him a natural choice for the mission.

He claimed he remained temporarily in the year 2000 for personal reasons, including visiting family, as well as spending time with his younger self, a toddler at the time. Throughout his posts, he warned readers about disease outbreaks, internal conflict, and social fragmentation.

In January 2001, he began using the name John Titor and posting on the Coast to Coast AM Post-to-Post forums. Titor described his time machine as operating through dual microsingularities, magnetic containment systems, gravity sensors, cesium clocks, and onboard computer systems. According to his posts, the device was first installed in a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette for travel to 1975 and later mounted within a 1987 four-wheeldrive truck during his stay in 2000.

To explain inconsistencies between his predictions and observable reality, Titor invoked the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, arguing that traveling through time created divergent timelines in which events unfolded differently from his own history.

After his farewell post in 2001, the chat logs were archived and circulated widely online. By 2003, they had been compiled into books and dedicated websites. Researchers identified the existence of the John Titor Foundation, a Florida-based entity created by entertainment lawyer Larry Haber, who represented John Titor’s mother living in the “00’s timeline.” While other theories about the authorship were entertained, most point back to Larry Haber and his brother Morey Haber, who are said to have collaborated on the project.

Many of John Titor’s predictions never truly came to pass. Y2K did not unfold the way he described, but perfect outcomes are rarely the point of prophecy. The words of a time traveler mattered less for their accuracy than for the thoughts they inspired in those following along. Born from one of the internet’s earliest mysteries, shared among late-night radio listeners, or traced — in both fantasy and reality — with red string between Florida pushpins, the story of John Titor belongs alongside all those tales of travelers who journeyed far in the hope that they might remind us our moment matters and, as the final message attributed to John Titor reads:

“Bring a gas can with you when the car dies on the side of the road.

Farewell.

John.”

JUNE 2026

HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS

Jun 1, 2026

Floridians are encouraged to have at least 7 days of supplies. These supplies include food, water, medicine, batteries, etc. Find everything you need to know at: polkfl.gov/public-safety/hurricane-preparedness

HURRICANE PREP WEEK

Jun 1, 2026, 8 AM-5 PM

Visit Central Florida Welcome Center 101 Adventure Ct, Davenport

Receive a FREE hurricane preparedness bag that includes a hurricane shelter map, hurricane prep checklists, and other helpful information for storms, plus, a presentation brought to you by the Red Cross, WFLA, and Polk County Emergency Management.

ASK A MASTER GARDENER

Jun 1, 2026, 9-11:30 AM

Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve 945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred Gardening and landscaping questions? We’ve got answers. Stop by to chat with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers on the first Monday of each month from 9:00-11:30AM at Mackay Gardens.

ROAMING READERS

Jun 1, 2026, 9:30-10:30 AM

Mulberry Public Library 905 NE 5th St, Mulberry Group will meet at the Mulberry Library. Adult (18+) walking book club. A focus on audiobooks, but all reader conversations are welcome. The walk is approximately 1 mile. Remember your water and comfortable shoes. cityofmulberryfl.org

KIDCHELLA

Jun 1, 2026, 10-11:30 AM

Lakeside Village

1479 Town Center Dr, Lakeland

Kick off summer with the ultimate kid-friendly festival at Kidchella, part of our Lakeside Village Kid Club Summer Series! Bring the kids for a high-energy morning filled with music, movement, and sparkle. Dance along with our live DJ, be amazed by an incredible hula hoop performer, and add some festival glam with colorful tinsel hair.

BIRDING ON THE BOARDWALK

Jun 1, 2026, 10 AM-12 PM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

Hone your birding and wildlife sighting skills at the Blanton Family Lagoon. BSP Staff and Volunteers will have binoculars and birding guides for guests to use while visitors explore the plants and animals that call Bonnet Springs Park their home! Participants are encouraged to dress based on seasonal weather and bring a water bottle. bonnetspringspark.com

STORY SPROUTS

Jun 1, 2026, 10:30-11 AM

Florida Children’s Museum

600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland

Join us in the Watermelon Seeds Gallery, in our Fruit Bowl programming area. Program designed for children 12 months to 5 years old. Focus on early literacy and communication skills. explorefcm.org

STEM CHALLENGE

Jun 1, 2026, 10:30-11 AM

Florida Children’s Museum

600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland

Love to build? Interested in how things work? Visit our Design Park Gallery on the first floor and check out the project of the day. Can you beat the challenge? Designed for children ages 5 and up. Program available in the morning daily and in the afternoon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

PAWS FOR READING

Jun 1, 2026, 3:30-4:30 PM

Auburndale Public Library

100 W Bridgers Ave, Auburndale

Relax and read stories to Sophie, our friendly library dog. She loves to listen! Ages 5+.

THIS JUST IN! NEW WORKS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION

Jun 2, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

The Museum holds nearly 3,500 works in its collection, adding exciting new art for visitors to enjoy, while building on the strengths of and filling gaps in representation of their collection. See works that are new to the audience — and feature recent acquisitions of artists well-known and under-sung, across media, and many on view at The AGB for the first time. On view until February 28, 2027.

WARHOL CONDENSED: FROM MARILYN TO SOUP AND BACK AGAIN

Jun 2, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

As a counter to the seeming unapproachability of “fine art,” Warhol selected the world of mass manufacturing, commercial art, consumer products, and celebrity culture as the foundation for his own art. On view through August 30, 2026.

INDUSTRY AND EDUCATORS NIGHT

Jun 2, 2026, 4-7:03 PM

Front Page Bewing

190 S Fla Ave, Bartow

Industry & Educators Night every Tuesday! If you work in hospitality or education, enjoy 25% off your tab from open to close. That means teachers, support staff, bartenders, servers, kitchen crews, admins, district employees—this night is for YOU.

PUZZLE MANIA FOR MIDDLESCHOOLERS

Jun 2, 2026, 4:15-5 PM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Puzzle Mania meets every first Tuesday at 4:15 pm. Puzzle Mania is an interactive puzzle program for middle school students. cityofmulberryfl.org

BREW CREW RUN CLUB

Jun 2, 2026, 5:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

Join the Lakeland Runners Club for this weekly run.

Check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco

More events at

CLAY CLASS - FRIEND SHAPED FLOWER POT

Jun 2, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM

Picassoz Art Cafe

4636 Cleveland Heights, Lakeland

Come create an adorable new planter friend from clay using the pinchpot method. Allow two weeks for drying time and bisque firing, then return to give your new friend even more personality using our large assortment of decorative glazes. This workshop is recommended for ages 5+. $35 includes clay flower pot creation, plant, and a FREE drink from Tea Largo.

FREE COMMUNITY LECTUREELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST DR. RAY CUTRO

Jun 2, 2026, 6-7 PM

Watson Clinic Main Library 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd.,, Lakeland

FREE educational seminar! Watson Clinic Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Ray Cutro will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis and management of abnormal heart rhythm disorders, including arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, and more. watsonclinic.com/events

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Jun 2, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing

LIVE MUSIC BINGO

Jun 2, 2026, 6:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

FREE to play and win fun prizes every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS

Jun 2, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Baseball Bingo night! milb.com/lakeland

TRIVIA NIGHT

Jun 2, 2026, 7-8 PM

Duke’s Brewhouse

4960 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Join Us Every Tuesday For Our Trivia Night!!

KARAOKE

Jun 2, 2026, 8 PM

Union Hall

1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Get ready to sing your heart out every Tuesday! Whether you’re a shower singer or a stage pro, this is the perfect spot to show off your skills and have a blast with friends. Ages 21+ Featuring the full KaraFun catalog

1 MILLION CUPS- LAKELAND

Jun 3, 2026, 8:30-9:30 AM

The Well

114 E Parker, Lakeland

Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers gather for 1 Million Cups — a free, community-driven program where local founders share their stories over coffee.

CREATIVE CHAOS

Jun 3, 2026, 2:30-3:30 PM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

This group is filled with writing activities for high school students and there is a new theme each month. They meet every first Wednesday.

WRITER’S GUILD

Jun 3, 2026, 4-5 PM

Haines City Public Library

111 N 6th St, Haines City

Ages 18+ Hang out with local aspiring authors to brainstorm, write prompts and overall enjoy yourself while working on your writing.

WATSON CLINIC PARKWAY MEDICAL CENTER

OPEN HOUSE & RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

Jun 3, 2026, 4-7 PM

Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center

4060 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland

Be among the first to tour Watson Clinic’s newest location in south Lakeland! RSVP now for an Open House & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the opening of Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center. watsonclinic.com/events

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GREATER LAKELAND PROSPECTIVE MEMBER MIXER

Jun 3, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM

The Joinery

640 E Main St, Lakeland

Curious about getting involved, giving back, and connecting with an inspiring group of women in our community? Come mix, mingle, and learn more about how you can make a meaningful impact while building lasting friendships. Drop in when you can or stay the whole time. We’d love to meet you either way! Bring a friend, grab a drink, and see what makes our League so special.

FLEET FEET RUN CLUB

Jun 3, 2026, 5:30-8 PM

The Joinery

640 E Main St, Lakeland

Run. Sip. Repeat. Check in at 5:30 pm, run at 6:00 pm. All runners get 20% off at the bar.

FREE BINGO AT BOWEN YARD

Jun 3, 2026, 6-9 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Free BINGO every Wednesday! Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food from six amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes!

TRIVIA NIGHT WITH TRIVIOSITY LIVE

Jun 3, 2026, 6-9:03 PM

Front Page Bewing

190 S Fla Ave, Bartow

Frree trivia! Grab your smartest (or most competitive) friends and form your team!

More events at JUNE 2026

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS

Jun 3, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland

BLOOMS & BRUSHES: FLYING TISSUE PAPER BUTTERFLY

Jun 4, 2026, 10:30 AM-12 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

A hands-on crafting experience for all ages! Step inside the Alexander Discovery Center and enjoy natureinspired art activities designed for curious kids, families, and adults alike. Each session is a make-and-take experience—so you’ll leave with your own handmade creation to remember your visit. boktowergardens.org

TRAVEL CLUB

Jun 4, 2026, 3:30-4:30 PM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

A program for our elementary friends. Explore the world with books, snacks, trivia and crafts.

NITRO BINGO

Jun 4, 2026, 6 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Nitro Bingo isn’t your grandma’s Bingo! This event blends strobe lights, upbeat music, big prizes, and a social atmosphere perfect for groups, girls’ nights out, or anyone looking for electrifying midweek fun. Doors open 5PM – Games begin 6PM. $30 to play all 15 games! theatrewinterhaven.com

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS

Jun 4, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland

BINGO NIGHT WITH WILL

Jun 4, 2026, 6:30-9:33 PM

Front Page Bewing

190 S Fla Ave, Bartow

Everyone can play, but remember—you must be 21+ to claim your prize, and prizes include FREE drinks!

TRIVIA NIGHT!

Jun 4, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM

Smith’s American Tavern

124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland

Every Thursday! Free to play, prizes for top teams, and great food and drinks while you play!

JASON HEDDEN & FRIENDS!

Jun 4, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

Jason Hedden has performed at clubs and campuses across the country. Now he brings his clean humor to Laugh Out Lounge! winterhavenlol.com

MEAN GIRLS - BACKSTAGE THEATER

Jun 4 - 6, 2026

Bartow Civic Center

2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow

Cady Heron is the new girl at North Shore High School in Chicago. Janis and Damian befriend the new girl and convince naive Cady to be their “friend” in order to bring down Queen Bee Regina George’s reign. This musical is based on the 2004 film. centralfloridatix.com

NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP

Jun 5, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM

Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales

Come work on your fiber arts projects with other crafty people, every Friday! lakewalesfl.gov

TITLES WITH TEA

Jun 5, 2026, 10-11 AM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Adults age 18 and up are welcome. No required reading! Read your picks at your pace!

Bring your favorite mug for tea & a relaxed discussion. Group meets in the library. No Registration Required! FREE program!

CHATTY CRAFTERS

Jun 5, 2026, 1-4 PM

Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales Meet in the Schoenoff Meeting Room

FIRST FRIDAY FREE BITES!

Jun 5, 2026, 5 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Every First Friday come to Bowen Yard to try some free samples from our restaurants!

FIRST FRIDAY WINTER HAVEN & CAR SHOW

Jun 5, 2026, 5-8 PM

Downtown Winter Haven

First Friday is a monthly can’t-miss event in downtown Winter Haven for dinner, drinks, vibes and shopping!

Guests can enjoy food and drink specials from downtown bars and restaurants. Catch live musicians at multiple venues, and hang out at the First Friday Car Show along Magnolia Ave! destroyermediaandmarketing.com/firstfriday

SUMMER YOUTH MAKER MARKET SERIES

Jun 5, 2026, 5-8 PM

1479 Town Center Dr, Lakeland

Do you have a child or teen who loves to create? We’re looking for youth makers to be part of our Summer Youth Maker Market Series on June 5, July 10, and August 7. Ages 10–19 Limited to 14 vendors per event

Free to register: forms.gle/G6K7CqR92PWsscP2A

Please note: Submission does not guarantee participation. Selected vendors will receive a confirmation from Lakeside Village.

PEOPLE & PLACES OF POLK COUNTY, VOL II

Jun 5, 2026, 5-8 PM

Destroyer Media

326 Ave C SW, Winter Haven (Bowen Yard)

Let’s get together at our office during First Friday! Meet the photographers and view the photos chosen for the June issues of Haven & LKLD Magazines.

LIVE MUSIC: T. MICHAEL

Jun 5, 2026, 5:30-8 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven Free music every Friday & Saturday!

LIVE & LOUD

Jun 5, 2026, 6 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Four bands for only $5, cash bar available. More info at centralfloridatix.com. This month’s lineup: Jewett School of the Arts Rock Band (Winter Haven), The Disorderly (Cape Coral), Cherry 2000 (Daytona) , and Twiggy Branches (Lakeland/Tampa).

NOTTA ART BATTLE

Jun 5, 2026, 6-9 PM

Notta Gallery

125 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland

Once a month, we clear the floor and turn the gallery into an arena. This event is FREE to the public. All ages welcome. Three artists. Two hours. One unforgettable night. Selected artists create brand new work live inside the gallery while a DJ sets the energy and the crowd watches it unfold in real time.

FIRST FRIDAY: FAMILY FUN NIGHT

Jun 5, 2026, 6-9 PM

Downtown Lakeland

June First Friday: Family Fun Night

Bring the kids, bring your friends, and bring your inner child as the streets come alive with interactive activities, live entertainment, and family-friendly experiences around every corner.

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS

Jun 5, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland

ADULT ONLY PLANT-BASED HAND-ROLL MASTERCLASS

Jun 5, 2026, 6:30-8:30 PM

Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen 6935 S Carter Rd ste 6, Lakeland Adults Only (21+) This adults-only masterclass strips away the complexity of traditional sushi and focuses on the elegant, minimalist art of the Temaki (hand-roll). Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a complete beginner, you’ll leave with the confidence to host your own sushi night. Space is limited for this exclusive culinary experience! plantbatterlkld.com

TURN UP HIP HOP DANCE FITNESS

Jun 5, 2026, 7-8 PM

Uno Dos Tres Studio

2940 S Combee Rd, Lakeland

No membership required, you just pay per class!

*Turn Up* is more than just a Hip-Hop/R&B/Rap/ Pop dance fitness format; it’ s a movement, to evolve unapologetically, live loudly, dance ruthlessly and OWN our greatness together, while we take our fitness to the next level as we turn all the way up! All classes tickets are available online, but spots are limited. unodostresstudio.com

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT OPEN DRAG SHOW

Jun 5, 2026, 8-10 PM

Kitty Cat Lounge

946 East Orange St,, Lakeland

Join us for an unforgettable evening where talented performers light up the stage with style, personality, and show-stopping energy. Hosted by the fantastic Memento Mori. Cozy cat café atmosphere Drinks & treats available.

JUNE 2026

CHAD ZUMOCK FROM HULU!

Jun 5, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

Chad Zumock’s standup comedy has appeared on HBO, HULU, Comedy Central and more! winterhavenlol.com

CARS & COFFEE

Jun 6, 2026, 8-10 AM

Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland

Calling all car fanatics! Roll into Bonnet Springs Park on the first Saturday of every month. All exotic, classic, luxury, hot rod, and import cars are welcome! This meet up will be held in the parking lot across from the Welcome Center. Coffee and breakfast items will be available for purchase. No registration is required.

DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET

Jun 6, 2026, 8 AM-1 PM

Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

*SUMMER HOURS*

Jun 6, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Magnolia Ave, Downtown Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours June - August. It’s so hot!!! winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

ELC POLK FAMILY FUN DAY

Jun 6, 2026, 9 AM-1 PM

115 S Missouri Ave, Lakeland

This FREE event will have fun for the whole family including activities, games, music, food, and free gifts for children while supplies last! More info on FB @ELCPolk.

FAIRY FESTIVAL

Jun 6, 2026, 9 AM-5 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Come dressed in your fairy best! See a fairy godmother take flight from the Singing Tower as she dances amongst the trees, meet fantastical fairies and awesome animals, discover hidden Fairy Doors, and delight your senses with art, music, and plenty of bubbles! Event is free for members and included in general admission. All ages. boktowergardens.org

EXPLOR-A-STORY (BILINGUAL)

Jun 6, 2026, 10-11 AM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Sumérgete en un libro participando en juegos y actividades dirigidos y basados en un libro de cuentos. Cada primer Sábado del mes a las 10:00 AM. Take a deep dive into a book by participating in games and activities based on a story book. Every first Saturday at 10 AM.

BILINGUAL FAMILY TIME

Jun 6, 2026, 11 AM-12 PM

Haines City Public Library

111 N 6th St, Haines City

Family games and bilingual songs, rhymes, crafts and stories. Juegos para toda la familia, canciones bilingues, manualidades y cuentos bilingues.

JUNIOR CHEF HAND-ROLL SUSHI PARTY

Jun 6, 2026, 12-1:30 PM

Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen

6935 S Carter Rd ste 6, Lakeland

Ages 5+. A hands-on, colorful journey into the world of sushi making. This class is designed to be high-energy, educational, and—most importantly—delicious.

We’ve swapped the fish for vibrant, kid-friendly plants to create “Sushi Adventures” that are as fun to look at as they are to eat. Limited spots, register at plantbatterlkld.com

AN AFTERNOON WITH JIM STAFFORD

Jun 6, 2026, 2 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Known for his masterful guitar work and quick-witted charm, Jim brings audiences behind the scenes of his career, sharing personal anecdotes from his rise to fame, his time in television, and his decades performing for fans across the country. Purchase tickets at theatrewinterhaven.com

AT IT AGAIN

Jun 6, 2026, 4 PM & 6 PM

The Twisted Prop Bar and Grille 615 7th St SW, Winter Haven

We’re Gonna Get Twizted! Bring out a friend or two, grab some brews, and enjoy the show!

LIVE MUSIC: HUNTER MCNEER

Jun 6, 2026, 5:30-8 PM Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven Live music every Friday & Saturday!

BOOTS, BEATS, & ISLAND VIBES

Jun 6, 2026, 6 PM

Camp Margaritaville Auburndale 361 Denton Ave, Auburndale

From 7:00–9:00 PM, local line dance instructor Felicia Jones will lead dancers through fun, easy-to-follow routines for all skill levels. Then DJ Gonzo closes out the night with an hour of free dancing to keep the good times rolling! centralfloridatix.com

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS

Jun 6, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland

ULTIMATE FLOYD: TRIBUTE TO PINK FLOYD

Jun 6, 2026, 8 PM

Union Hall

1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with classic hits and mesmerizing performances with Ultimate Floyd: Tribute to Pink Floyd. Ages 18+. unionhallevents.com

CHAD ZUMOCK FROM HULU!

Jun 6, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

Chad Zumock’s standup comedy has appeared on HBO, HULU, Comedy Central and more! winterhavenlol.com

RHYTHM & SUPPER

Jun 7, 2026, 5:30-8:30 PM

Black Swan Venue

112 East Pine Street, Lakeland Lakeland’s intimate R&B dinner experience—live music, wine, dessert, and a romantic night designed for couples. Tickets at eventbrite.

NITRO BINGO

Jun 7, 2026, 6 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Nitro Bingo isn’t your grandma’s Bingo! This event blends strobe lights, upbeat music, big prizes, and a social atmosphere perfect for groups, girls’ nights out, or anyone looking for electrifying midweek fun. Doors open 5PM – Games begin 6PM. $30 to play all 15 games! theatrewinterhaven.com

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS

Jun 7, 2026, Noon

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland Brunch available for purchase. milb.com/lakeland

VESSEL & FORM: PUBLIC RECEPTION

Jun 8, 2026, 6-8 PM

Momentum Gallery

1242 E Main St, Bartow

Meet and mingle with 10 artists who specialize in ceramics and fiber art. Public reception, all are welcome. momentumgallery.com

TRANS AND NON-BINARY MAKEUP CLASS

Jun 8, 2026, 6:30 PM

Rose Dynasty Center

1253 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland

Join us for an everyday Eye and Lip make up class with Jessica Davis. The class is for anyone in our Transgender community that wants to learn basic eye and lip makeup techniques. Please Register for this event. rosedynastyfoundationinc.org

WATER SKI & WAKE SPORTS

HALL OF FAME TOURS

Jun 9, 2026, 10-11 AM

Visit Central Florida Welcome Center

101 Adventure Ct, Davenport

See highlights from all nine disciplines, starting with the skis that started it all in the Water Ski Capital of the World! FREE tours every second Tuesday of the month at 10AM.

THE ART OF THE SEED PACKET

Jun 9, 2026, 10-11:30 AM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Explore what is really inside a seed packet. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to read a seed packet by looking at common terms, symbols, and planting information that help gardeners grow successfully. This one-hour class is designed

with children in mind, but all ages are welcome. boktowergardens.org

BETTER TOGETHER

SECOND CHANCE JOB FAIR

Jun 9, 2026, 11 AM-2 PM RidgePoint Church 100 Hatfield Road, Winter Haven

Second-chance job fairs promote the power of second chances for neighbors who face barriers to employment. These can include past incarceration, homelessness, lack of transportation or child care, or gaps in employment. With a spirit of hope and celebration, the church-based job fairs empower job seekers by connecting them with local employers who are ready to hire. Free one-on-one job coaching sessions are available to job seekers to review resumes, and additional services will be available onsite. Job seekers and employers can register at BetterTogetherUS.org/RidgePoint or by texting “JOBS” to 844-987-3949.

ARABELLAS PRE-SHOW DINNER

Jun 9, 2026, 4:30 PM

Arabellas Ristorante

346 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Arabellas Pre-Show Dinner Special Make your Tribute Tuesday a full Italian night out with Arabellas exclusive Pre-Show Four-Course Dinner Special. Reserve your spot and make it dinner and a show to remember! theatrewinterhaven.com

BREW CREW RUN CLUB

Jun 9, 2026, 5:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

Join the Lakeland Runners Club. Check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Jun 9, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing

LIVE MUSIC BINGO

Jun 9, 2026, 6:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland FREE to play and win fun prizes every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco

TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC

Jun 9, 2026, 6:30 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven Fleetwood Max covers the entire career! They also do Stevie Nicks solo classics like Edge of Seventeen and Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around. theatrewinterhaven.com

HAINES CITY - WRITER’S GUILD

Jun 10, 2026, 4-5 PM

Haines City Public Library

111 N 6th St, Haines City

Ages 18+ Located in the Teen Room Hang out with local aspiring authors to brainstorm, write prompts and overall enjoy yourself while working on your writing.

JUNE 2026

FREE BINGO

Jun 10, 2026, 6-9 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food from six amazing restaurants, and get ready to win great prizes!

BLOOMS & BRUSHES: FLOWER PRESS

Jun 11, 2026, 10:30 AM-12 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

A hands-on crafting experience for all ages! Step inside the Alexander Discovery Center and enjoy natureinspired art activities designed for curious kids, families, and adults alike. Each session is a make-and-take experience—so you’ll leave with your own handmade creation to remember your visit. boktowergardens.org

LAKE WALES JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB MONTHLY MEETING

Jun 11, 2026, 5:30-6:30 PM

Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales Lake Wales Public Library Meeting Room.

All women of the Greater Lake Wales area are invited to attend.

LA GUNS VIP

Jun 11, 2026, 5:30-6:30 PM

Lakeland Center

701 W Lime St, Lakeland

Join LA Guns for an exclusive VIP Experience during their Lucky MF’r Tour for your chance to meet the band! rpfundingcenter.com

THE GREAT AMERICAN BEER & WINE TASTING WH

Jun 11, 2026, 5:30-8:30 PM

Downtown Winter Haven

Main Street Winter Haven is hosting. We are rebranding our annual Beer & Bubbles event this year to honor our nations 250th birthday. Our downtown participating businesses will serve a pairing of an American beer, or wine with a classic American bite. centralfloridatix.com

DRINKS WITH THE “STILL NEW” DIRECTOR

Jun 11, 2026, 6-7:15 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland

Dr. Daryl Ward offers guests a sneak peek into The AGB’s upcoming season! Be one of the first to find out

about the newest exhibits, programs, and community events the Museum has planned for ‘26 - ‘27! This is a free event, but space is limited. agbmuseum.org

BINGO NIGHT WITH WILL

Jun 11, 2026, 6:30-9:33 PM

Front Page Bewing

190 S Fla Ave, Bartow

Everyone can play, but remember—you must be 21+ to claim your prize, and prizes include FREE drinks!

CINDERELLA’S TOM KEIFER

FEATURES LA GUNS

Jun 11, 2026, 7:30 PM

RP Funding Center

701 W Lime St, Lakeland

The RP Funding Center is thrilled to announce that rock legend Tom Keifer will be taking the stage for an unforgettable night of bluesy, stage-shaking rock and roll. The band ‘s high energy rock show combines all the classic, chart topping hits of Cinderella with new faves. rpfundingcenter.com

JOE LEMONDS & FRIENDS!

Jun 11, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven

You’ve likely seen Joe at Laugh Out Lounge before, but never headlining his own showcase of hilarious comics. winterhavenlol.com

NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP

Jun 12, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM

Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales

Come work on your fiber arts projects with other crafty people, every Friday! lakewalesfl.gov

BARTOW UNCORKED

Jun 12, 2026, 5-9 PM

Downtown Bartow

180 S Central Ave, Bartow

Get ready to sip, stroll, and shop your way through Downtown Bartow! Join us for an unforgettable evening as local businesses open their doors for a wine walk experience filled with delicious sips and tasty bites along the way. FB @mainstreetbartow

LIVE MUSIC: MICAH MADORE

Jun 12, 2026, 5:30-8 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every Friday & Saturday!

LEGALLY BLONDE JR.

Jun 12, 2026, 6:30-8 PM

Lakeland Community Theatre

121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland

Jun 12 - 21. Legally Blonde: the Musical JR chronicles the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy, UCLA sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend Warner. Ultimately, she defies expectations and manages to stay true to her delightfully pink personality. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

SHAWN MULLINS

Jun 12, 2026, 7 PM

Gram Parsons Derry Down

297 5th St NW, Winter Haven

With special guest Cat Ridgeway.  After a series of indie

releases and growing buzz in the Atlanta music scene, Shawn Mullins’ critical and commercial breakthrough came when 1998 Soul’s Core shot him to fame on the strength of Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit, “Lullaby” followed by AAA/Americana No. 1 hit “Beautiful Wreck” from 2006’s  9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor. gpderrydown.com

SWAN CITY PIANO FESTIVAL

JASMIN ARAKAWA SOLO RECITAL

Jun 12, 2026, 7-9 PM

Harrison School For the Arts

3828 Laurel Branch Drive, Lakeland

The 6th season of the Swan City Piano Festival opens with the amazing Jasmin Arakawa. Hailed by Gramophone for her “characterful sparkle,” pianist Jasmin Arakawa has captivated audiences across the globe—from Carnegie Hall to major stages in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

THE WIZARD OF OZ - PRESENTED BY THE MISSING PIECE THEATRE

Jun 12 - 21, 2026

Gem Theater

118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860, Mulberry

Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the classic film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide. centralfloridatix.com

MITCH FATEL FROM COMEDY CENTRAL!

Jun 12, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

You might have seen Mitch Fatel on Comedy Central, Just for Laughs, or any of the late night comedy shows. winterhavenlol.com

31ST SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON

5K SERIES

Jun 13, 2026, 5 AM

Lake Hollingsworth Park

929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland

Proceeds go towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. Certified course, chip timed. Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results. lakelandrunnersclub.org

DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET

Jun 13, 2026, 8 AM-1 PM

Munn Park

210 E Main Street., Lakeland

Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

*SUMMER HOURS*

Jun 13, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Magnolia Ave, Downtown Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours June - August. It’s so hot!!! winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

ASK A MASTER GARDENER

Jun 13, 2026, 9 AM-1 PM

Winter Haven Farmers Market

Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

Visit the Polk County Master Gardener Volunteer booth for the latest gardening information and to ask gardening questions.

POLK PRIDE 2026: PRIDE KICK-OFF PARTY

Jun 13, 2026, 11 AM-3 PM

Union Hall

1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland

An electrifying afternoon of drag and drinks! Purchase tickets at polkpridefl.org. 21+ only.

SUMMERFEST: CELEBRATE 2 YEARS OF BOWEN YARD!

Jun 13, 2026, 11 AM-10 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Celebrate all day with a bounce house, live music from 3-6, outdoor games, and food & drink specials! More info on FB @bowenyardwh

THE DANIEL PEPIN BAND

Jun 13, 2026, 3-6 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Celebrate Bowen Yard’s birthday with this special midday concert!

SWIFTIE SUMMER SOIREE

Jun 13, 2026, 5-8 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

Calling all Swifties! Step into your favorite era and join us for a magical Swiftie Summer Soirée set in enchanting garden surroundings. Indulge in delicious appetizers and sip on a themed cocktail or mocktail that will have you feeling bejeweled. Then hit the dance floor as our DJ spins iconic hits from every Era! Grab your friends, dress like your favorite Era, and get ready for a night of endless style. Purchase tickets at boktowergardens.org

SWAN CITY PIANO FESTIVAL, PER DANIELSSON JAZZ PIANIST

Jun 13, 2026, 6-9 PM

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art 800 East Palmetto Street , Lakeland

From Stockholm to the global jazz stage—Per Danielsson is a powerhouse pianist, composer, and educator whose artistry spans continents. After studying with legends like Bengt Hallberg and training in the U.S., Per has built an international career as a performer, clinician, and collaborator with icons including Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, and Randy Brecker.Now Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at UCF and Artistic Director of the American Jazz Pianist Competition, he continues shaping the next generation while performing worldwide. swancitypianofestival.com

PITTIES & PEARLS

Jun 13, 2026, 6-9 PM

Adam’s Estate

2222 W. Pierce St, Lake Alfred

This years theme - THE MASQUERADE EDITION!

Dress to impress for a night of fun benefitting our dogs. Dress as you see fit, but masquerade masks are highly encouraged! Dance (or fake-gamble) the night away for a cause in your finest cocktail attire or your finest jeans and boots! The night will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, silent auctions and a few casino tables to try your luck on. A cash bar will be available. FB@ polkcountybullyproject

SMARTMOUTH LIVE

Jun 13, 2026, 7 PM Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven Doors open at 6pm, Show starts at 7pm. A clean night of entertainment for all ages. Tickets available at theatrewinterhaven.com

MITCH FATEL FROM COMEDY CENTRAL!

Jun 13, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

You might have seen Mitch Fatel on Comedy Central, Just for Laughs, or any of the late night comedy shows. winterhavenlol.com

SWAN CITY PIANO FESTIVAL, VICTOR

SANTIAGO ASUNCIÓN SOLO RECITAL

Jun 14, 2026, 3-5 PM

First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland

Praised by The Washington Post for his “poised and imaginative playing,” Filipino-American pianist Victor Santiago Asunción has captivated audiences around the world—from New York’s Carnegie Hall to concert

stages across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. A dynamic soloist and passionate chamber musician, he has collaborated with legendary artists and performed at renowned festivals including Aspen, Santa Fe, and Music in the Vineyards. swancitypianofestival.com

THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS

Jun 16, 2026, 11 AM-1 PM

Gem Theater

118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860, Mulberry

Part of the $2.00 Tuesdays series, bringing a heartwarming island adventure to the big screen in Mulberry. Tickets are just $2.00, making it a fun and affordable summer movie outing for families.

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Jun 16, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing

KARAOKE

Jun 16, 2026, 8 PM Union Hall

1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland Tuesday nights! Whether you’re a shower singer or a stage pro, this is the perfect spot to show off your skills. Ages 21+ Featuring the full KaraFun catalog. unionhallevents.com

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

Jun 16, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland

1 MILLION CUPS- LAKELAND

Jun 17, 2026, 8:30-9:30 AM

The Well

114 E Parker, Lakeland

Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers gather for 1 Million Cups — a free, community-driven program where local founders share their stories over coffee.

HAINES CITY - WRITER’S GUILD

Jun 17, 2026, 4-5 PM

Haines City Public Library

111 N 6th St, Haines City

Ages 18+ Located in the Teen Room Hang out with local aspiring authors to brainstorm, write prompts and overall enjoy yourself while working on your writing.

FLEET FEET RUN CLUB

Jun 17, 2026, 5:30-8 PM

The Joinery

640 E Main St, Lakeland Run. Sip. Repeat. Check in at 5:30 pm, run at 6:00 pm. All runners get 20% off at the bar.

FREE BINGO AT BOWEN YARD

Jun 17, 2026, 6-9 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Join us for an exciting night of FREE Bingo at Bowen Yard, every Wednesday!

TRIVIA NIGHT WITH TRIVIOSITY LIVE

Jun 17, 2026, 6-9:03 PM

Front Page Bewing

190 S Fla Ave, Bartow Free trivia every Wednesday!

POLK PRIDE 2016: PRIDE FOR YOUTH

Jun 17, 2026, 6:30-9 PM

United Women’s Club of Lakeland 1515 Williamsburg Sq., Lakeland

Lakeland Youth Alliance’s annual Pride Party is designed for youth ages 11–17 to connect, celebrate, and be fully themselves in a welcoming community space. Expect music, activities, and plenty of Pride energy! This event is FREE to attend! polkpridefl.org

TALENT NIGHT

Jun 17, 2026, 7 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, poets, variety acts, and more will compete live on stage, while the audience votes for their favorite using their smartphones. Each monthly winner receives a trophy, a $100 cash prize, and a chance to return at the end of the season to compete for a grand prize. theatrewinterhaven.com

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

Jun 17, 2026, 6 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland milb.com/lakeland

BLOOMS & BRUSHES: NATURE MOBILE

Jun 18, 2026, 10:30 AM-12 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

A hands-on crafting experience for all ages! Step inside the Alexander Discovery Center and enjoy natureinspired art activities designed for curious kids, families, and adults alike. Each session is a make-and-take experience—so you’ll leave with your own handmade creation to remember your visit. boktowergardens.org

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

Jun 18, 2026, 11 AM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

NITRO BINGO

Jun 18, 2026, 6 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Nitro Bingo isn’t your grandma’s Bingo! This event blends strobe lights, upbeat music, big prizes, and a social atmosphere perfect for groups, girls’ nights out, or anyone looking for electrifying midweek fun. Doors open 5PM – Games begin 6PM. $30 to play all 15 games! theatrewinterhaven.com

POLK PRIDE 2026: PRIDE IN FAITH

Jun 18, 2026, 7 PM

Beacon Hill Fellowship

220 W Beacon Rd, Lakeland

Pride in Faith brings together leaders from diverse faith traditions across our community to share messages of love, inclusion, and unity. Following the program,

all are invited to stay for fellowship and refreshments. This event is free and open to all ages—come as you are and celebrate faith, community, and Pride together. polkpridefl.org

THE BUCKET LIST!

Jun 18, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

An improvised comedy show where audience suggestions are pulled from a bucket and turned into jokes on the spot. No scripts. No safety net.

JUNETEENTH

Jun 19, 2026

This federal holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans across the United States, specifically marking the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation made on January 1, 1863.

NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP

Jun 19, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM

Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales

Come work on your fiber arts projects with other crafty people, every Friday! lakewalesfl.gov

NATURAL FAIRY HOUSE BUILDING CLASS

Jun 19, 2026, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create your own whimsical fairy dwelling using natural materials like bark, moss, twigs, stones, and seed pods. No experience is necessary – just a love of nature and imagination. You’ll be guided step-by-step. Ages 18+, Registration required.boktowergardens.org

LIVE MUSIC: ROBERT GHASTIN

Jun 19, 2026, 5:30-8 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every Friday & Saturday night!

POLK PRIDE 2026: FRIDAY NIGHT PRIDE

Jun 19, 2026, 6 PM

Rec Room

202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland

This is a laid-back Pride night full of fun for everyone. Challenge your friends to arcade games, sing your heart out in our reserved karaoke room, and grab a custom portrait from the on-site caricature artist. This event is FREE to attend and open to ALL AGES (21+ after 9pm). polkpridefl.org

FATHER’S DAY SUPERHERO PIZZA PARTY

Jun 19, 2026, 6-7:30 PM

Enchanted Fairytale Hollow

818 E Lemon St, Lakeland

Celebrate the heroes in your headquarters with a pizza party! Fun refreshments, amazing superhero activity time, and a heroic meet & greet. Tickets at enchantedfairytalehollow.com.

JUNE 2026

SUNSET SHOWTIME OPEN VARIETY SHOW

Jun 19, 2026, 6-8 PM

Kitty Cat Lounge

946 East Orange St,, Lakeland

This All-Ages Variety Show brings together performers of all kinds for an evening packed with talent and entertainment.Come support local performers, enjoy the show, and spend a lively evening surrounded by great people and adorable cats!

“I’M A SOUL MAN” FEATURING

BILLY BUCHANAN & BAND

Jun 19, 2026, 7 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Billy performs many of the great soul classics from Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, The Drifters, James Brown, Motown superstars, and many more, with his full band, the Rock ‘n Soul Revue! Tickets at theatrewinterhaven.com.

JB BALL FROM COMEDY CENTRAL!

Jun 19, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

JB Ball has appeared on Comedy Central, MTV, Peacock, and Kevin Hart’s LOL Network! winterhavenlol.com

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS VS. DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS

Jun 19, 2026, 6:30 PM

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland

DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET

Jun 20, 2026, 8 AM-1 PM

Munn Park

210 E Main Street., Lakeland

Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

*SUMMER HOURS*

Jun 20, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours June - August. It’s so hot!!! winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

POLK PRIDE 2026: PRIDE IN THE PARK

Jun 20, 2026, 9 AM-2 PM Munn Park

201 E Main St, Lakeland

For one unforgettable day, downtown Lakeland’s Munn Park transforms into a vibrant Pride festival filled with community, celebration, and fun for the whole family. Explore dozens of local vendors, enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, connect with community organizations, and celebrate Pride in the heart of Polk County. This event is FREE and open to all ages. More info at polkpridefl.org.

BILINGUAL FAMILY TIME

Jun 20, 2026, 11 AM-12 PM

Haines City Public Library

111 N 6th St, Haines City

Family games and bilingual songs, rhymes, crafts and stories. Juegos para toda la familia, canciones bilingues, manualidades y cuentos bilingues.

2026 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Jun 20, 2026, 11 AM-4 PM

Winter Haven Recreational And Cultural Center

847 Avenue I NE, Winter Haven

The City of Winter Haven invites you to the Annual Juneteenth Celebration! This community-wide event honors the historical significance of Juneteenth while celebrating culture, heritage, and achievements. Attendees can look forward to: Live music and performances, Local food and retail vendors, Family-friendly activities, and educational exhibits. mywinterhaven.com

SOURDOUGH MADE SAVORY CLASS W. BAKING BAYERS

Jun 20, 2026, 1-3 PM

Plant Batter Bakery + Kitchen 6935 S Carter Rd ste 6, Lakeland

Learn how to make soft classic sourdough dinner rolls! Limited space, register at plantbatterlkld.com

CYPRESS GARDENS WATER SKI TEAM SHOW

Jun 20, 2026, 4:15 PM

MLK Park

199 Lake Silver Dr, Winter Haven

This free, family-friendly ski show is the hidden gem of Polk County. Pre-show begins at 4:15, show starts at 5. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, cash for the 50/50 raffle, concessions available for purchase.

JAZZ HAMILTON TIMELESS AMERICA TOUR

Jun 20, 2026, 5:30 PM

RP Funding Center

701 W Lime St, Lakeland

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with an unforgettable evening of music & patriotism. At the heart of this historic event is the TIMELESS Suite, an original nine movement orchestral concert piece composed and arranged by world renowned saxophonist and Concertista Jazz Hamilton. rpfundingcenter.com

LIVE MUSIC: HUNTER MCNEER

Jun 20, 2026, 5:30-8 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Live music every Friday & Saturday!

NCS FLORIDA SPORTS AWARD CEREMONY

Jun 20, 2026, 7:30 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

This special evening will honor the outstanding achievements of Florida’s top athletes, coaches, and sports ambassadors in a night filled with recognition, inspiration, and celebration. Purchase tickets at theatrewinterhaven.com

POLK PRIDE 2026: PRIDE AFTER DARK

Jun 20, 2026, 9 PM

Eala’s Speakeasy (Below Fresco’s)

310 E Lemon St., Lakeland

Visit Eala’s Speakeasy (Below Fresco’s) for an

electrifying evening of music, dancing, and DRAG. This event is 21+ and ticketed. Advance purchase is highly encouraged, as tickets are expected to sell out. Tickets available at polkpridefl.org.

FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

Jun 21, 2026

FATHER’S DAY!

Jun 21, 2026

Celebrate your dad!

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY: FREE OUTDOOR YOGA CLASS

Jun 21, 2026, 9:30-11 AM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Yoga Haven will offer a free yoga class to be held outdoors at Bowen Yard. If we get rained out, the class will be held at Yoga Haven, 1511 6th St. SE, Winter Haven. Everyone who attends will receive a class pass for one FREE yoga class at Yoga Haven.  Bring your mat and be sure to hydrate!  Class led by Prima Yawa.

NITRO BINGO

Jun 21, 2026, 6 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Nitro Bingo isn’t your grandma’s Bingo! This event blends strobe lights, upbeat music, big prizes, and a social atmosphere perfect for groups, girls’ nights out, or anyone looking for electrifying midweek fun. Doors open 5PM – Games begin 6PM. $30 to play all 15 games! theatrewinterhaven.com

ZOOTOPIA 2 SCREENING

Jun 23, 2026, 11 AM-1 PM

Gem Theater

118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860, Mulberry

Part of the $2.00 Tuesdays series, bringing another wild adventure to the big screen in Mulberry. Tickets are just $2.00, making it a fun and affordable summer outing for families.

INDUSTRY AND EDUCATORS NIGHT

Jun 23, 2026, 4-7:03 PM

Front Page Bewing

190 S Fla Ave, Bartow

Every Tuesday we’re raising a glass to the people who keep things running—both in the classroom and behind the scenes. If you work in hospitality or education, enjoy 25% off your tab from open to close. That means teachers, support staff, bartenders, servers, kitchen crews, admins, district employees—this night is for YOU.

BREW CREW RUN CLUB

Jun 23, 2026, 5:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

Join the Lakeland Runners Club. Check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco

ALZHEIMER ASSOCIATION’S IN-PERSON CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP.

Jun 23, 2026, 6-7 PM

Advent Health - Lake Wales

410 South 11th Street, Lake Wales

Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment or community and a chance for

participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems.To register please call the Alzheimer Association’s 24/7 Helpline at:  800.272.3900.

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Jun 23, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing

LIVE MUSIC BINGO

Jun 23, 2026, 6:30 PM

Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St, Lakeland Every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco

TRIBUTE TO JIMMY BUFFETT

Jun 23, 2026, 6:30 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

A Classic Tributes Live Band brings the island vibe, tropical energy, and singalong classics with a Tribute to Jimmy Buffett. From “Margaritaville” to “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” they deliver an authentic beach-party experience packed with laid-back fun, crowd favorites, and nonstop good times.  Purchase tickets at theatrewinterhaven.com

MANGA CLUB

Jun 24, 2026, 2:30-3:30 PM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Every fourth Wednesday, high school students can explore Manga through discussions, book tastings, drawings, and more!

FREE BINGO AT BOWEN YARD

Jun 24, 2026, 6-9 PM

Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Every Wednesday! Win prizes!

BLOOMS & BRUSHES:

COTTON BALL RAINBOW

Jun 25, 2026, 10:30 AM-12 PM

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

A hands-on crafting experience for all ages! Step inside the Alexander Discovery Center and enjoy natureinspired art activities designed for curious kids, families, and adults alike. Each session is a make-and-take experience—so you’ll leave with your own handmade creation to remember your visit.

boktowergardens.org

LEGO CLUB

Jun 25, 2026, 3:30-4:30 PM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Every fourth Thursday at 3:30 PM we welcome to our elementary friends to build Lego with us.

JUNE 2026

SMILE CITY COMEDY SHOW!

Jun 25, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW, Winter Haven

This showcase highlights some of the best up-andcoming comedians in Central Florida. winterhavenlol.com

2026 WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS

Jun 25, 2026, Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

This complimentary offer is limited to four visitors per registration, and admission for the day is limited to assist with capacity issues. All members of the party visiting on Wawa Summer Fun Days will need to have a ticket to enter. boktowergardens.org

NEEDLEWORKS ART GROUP

Jun 26, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM Lake Wales Public Library

290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales

Come work on your fiber arts projects with other crafty people, every Friday! lakewalesfl.gov

NONFICTION BOOK CLUB

Jun 26, 2026, 10-11 AM

Mulberry Public Library

905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

This adult book club will focus on various types of nonfiction. Memoir & Biography, History, Science, Travel and more! No Registration Required! FREE

BITES AT SUNSET

Jun 26, 2026, 4-8 PM

Visit Central Florida Welcome Center

101 Adventure Ct, Davenport

It’s a Food Truck Rally with good eats from all over Central Florida! Bring the family to enjoy great food and a beautiful sunset! Questions or interested in becoming a vendor? Contact us at (863) 420-2586.

YOUTH MUSIC NIGHT

Jun 26, 2026, 5:30-8 PM Bowen Yard

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

Come out and support the kids!

OPEN MIC AT THE KITTY CAT LOUNGE

Jun 26, 2026, 6:30 PM

Kitty Cat Lounge

946 East Orange St,, Lakeland

Got a song, a poem, a story, or a joke to share? Take the stage at our Open Mic Night and show off your creativity in a cozy, welcoming space — with a few curious cats in the audience. Sign up when you arrive to perform — and come ready for a night full of creativity and fun!

Live SAX & Candleway

Jun 27, 2026, 7-9 PM

FLAME candlestudios

25 3rd St NW., Winter Haven, FL

ALONG THE WAY

Jun 26 & 27, 2026, 7:30-9:30 PM

Gem Theater 118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry

In a quiet park where strangers cross paths each day, a mysterious old man shares his wisdom of life with whomever will listen. But one unexpected encounter will alter their destinies forever.

BEAR CLARKE WEBB FROM OPEN BAR COMEDY!

Jun 26, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

What some might call the “lovechild” of Ron White and Sam Kinison, Bear Clarke Webb brings her hilarious style! winterhavenlol.com

2026 WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS

Jun 26, 2026, Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales

This complimentary offer is limited to four visitors per registration, and admission for the day is limited to assist with capacity issues. All members of the party visiting on Wawa Summer Fun Days will need to have a ticket to enter. boktowergardens.org

DOWNTOWN LKLD FARMERS CURB MARKET

Jun 27, 2026, 8 AM-1 PM

Located on N Kentucky Ave stretching from Lemon Street north to Oak Street every Saturday. Local, handmade, homegrown produce, plants, artisan gifts, pastries, breads, specialty foods, and more! downtownlkld.com/farmerscurbmarket

More events at

WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET *SUMMER HOURS*

Jun 27, 2026, 9 AM-12 PM

Magnolia Ave, Winter Haven

We feature a variety of farmers, food trucks, fresh produce, handmade pasta, baked goods, meat, seafood, plants, and local makers every Saturday! Shortened hours June - August. It’s so hot!!! winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

SOUTHERN REGIONAL SHOW SKI TOURNAMENT

Jun 27, 2026, 10 AM-12 PM

Martin Luther King Jr. Park

275 S Lake Silver Dr NW, Winter Haven 2026 Regional tournament

OPEN MIC RENEGADES

Jun 27, 2026, 7-10 PM

Kokomo’s Cafe

322 4th St NW, Winter Haven

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-timer, this is your chance to shine on stage (poets, musicians, vendors, spoken word, comedy, singers, dancers). ALL ART FORMS ARE WELCOMED!

We will have a combo ticket of $20 which includes food buffet of finger sandwiches, charcuterie, and flat breads, along with one drink ticket and your admission. More info on FB @OMRopenmics

MULBERRY - ASISTENCIA TECNOLGICA DROP-IN (BILINGUAL)

Jun 27, 2026,

Mulberry Public Library 905 NE 5th St, Mulberry

Technology assistance provided in English and Spanish.Stop by every fourth Saturday of the month for assistance. Aquí para ayudarle a navegar por las aplicaciones de la biblioteca y a utilizar su dispositivo. Pase cada cuarto Sábadodel mes para recibir asistencia.

SOUTHERN REGIONAL SHOW SKI TOURNAMENT

Jun 28, 2026, 10 AM-12 PM

Martin Luther King Jr. Park 275 S Lake Silver Dr NW, Winter Haven 2026 Regional tournament

NITRO BINGO

Jun 28, 2026, 6 PM

Historic Ritz Theatre

263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

Nitro Bingo isn’t your grandma’s Bingo! This event blends strobe lights, upbeat music, big prizes, and a social atmosphere perfect for groups, girls’ nights out, or anyone looking for electrifying midweek fun. Doors open 5PM – Games begin 6PM. $30 to play all 15 games! theatrewinterhaven.com

YANG FROM KILL TONY!

Jun 28, 2026, 8-10 PM

Laugh Out Lounge

19 3rd St NW,, Winter Haven

You might recognize Yaquiao Yang as a recent Golden Ticket winner on the hit podcast Kill Tony. winterhavenlol.com

LILO & STITCH (2025)

Jun 30, 2026, 11 AM-1 PM

Gem Theater

118 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry, FL 33860, Mulberry

Part of the $2.00 Tuesdays series, bringing a heartwarming island adventure to the big screen in Mulberry. Tickets are just $2.00, making it a fun and affordable summer movie outing for families.

BREW CREW RUN CLUB

Jun 30, 2026, 5:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

Join the Lakeland Runners Club. Check-In starts at 5:45PM and is FREE and open to all levels of runners! FB @swanbrewingco

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Jun 30, 2026, 6:30 PM

Grove Roots Brewery

302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

Free trivia every Tuesday! FB @groverootsbrewing

LIVE MUSIC BINGO

Jun 30, 2026, 6:30 PM

Swan Brewing

115 W Pine St, Lakeland

Every Tuesday! FB @swanbrewingco

Presenting Sponsor: Car Show Sponsored By:

dine. drink. shop.

food & drink specials, shops open late Every 1st Friday | 5 - 8 pm Downtown Winter Haven Car Show on Magnolia Ave

#whfirstfriday

masterminded by

IT’S WRITTEN IN THE STARS

GEMINI

(March 21 – April 19)

June pushes you to slow down. Home, family, and emotional security become surprisingly important, especially around June 21. Career momentum builds late in the month, but Mercury retrograde near June 29 means double-checking texts, travel plans, and “reply all” emails. Romance feels playful again by mid-June. Best day: June 17. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Top Gun: Maverick,” because you’re operating at full chaotic pilot energy this month.

(April 20 – May 20)

Communication is your superpower in June. Networking, writing, and reconnecting with people from the past can unexpectedly open doors. Jupiter’s supportive energy boosts confidence, especially financially, but avoid stubborn spending sprees after June 21. You’re learning that “treat yourself” has limits. Best day: June 25. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Jurassic Park,” comfort movie vibes with just enough stress to keep you awake.

(June 21 – July 22)

This is a powerful reset month for you. Jupiter’s influence boosts confidence and helps you feel more emotionally grounded. By Cancer season, you’ll feel like the main character again. Relationships improve through honest conversations, but nostalgia may hit hard near the end of June. Don’t text the ex just because it’s raining. Best day: June 21. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Titanic,” dramatic, emotional, iconic. Basically, your aesthetic.

(July 23 – August 22)

You’re preparing for a huge glow-up phase as Jupiter edges closer to Leo energy later this summer. June feels quieter than usual, but that’s intentional. Rest now before life gets loud again. Venus entering Leo mid-month boosts charm, creativity, and your ability to accidentally become the center of attention at every event. Best day: June 13. Summer blockbuster to watch: “The Devil Wears Prada,” glamorous, dramatic, and filled with elite Leo-level entrances.

(September 23 – October 22)

Career matters take center stage this month. You’re being noticed, and people are paying attention to your ideas more than usual. Relationships feel warmer after Venus enters Leo, making June excellent for dating, friendships, and dramatic rooftop conversations at sunset. Avoid people-pleasing around the Full Moon. Best day: June 18. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Mamma Mia!” with beautiful people making emotional decisions in fabulous outfits.

(October 23 – November 21)

June wants you to think bigger. Travel, education, creativity, and future planning all get a cosmic boost. Emotionally, you’re lighter than you’ve been in months. Still, Mercury retrograde near month’s end could create mixed signals in relationships, so ask questions before assuming the worst. Best day: June 9. Summer blockbuster to watch: “The Dark Knight,” intense, strategic, and emotionally complicated. Your specialty.

(December 22 – January 19)

Relationships become impossible to ignore this month. Partnerships, romantic, business, or otherwise, need clearer communication and stronger boundaries. Work stays busy, but June reminds you that success means nothing if you never leave your desk. Best day: June 30. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” disciplined competence under pressure. Extremely Capricorn-coded.

(January 20 – February 18)

Your routines, health, and work-life balance need attention. June rewards consistency more than genius-level last-minute improvising. Mid-month is excellent for creative projects and unexpected friendships. Mercury retrograde could scramble technology and scheduling, which honestly feels personal for Aquarius. Best day: June 15. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Guardians of the Galaxy,” weird, funny, emotional, and full of lovable outsiders.

(May 21 – June 20)

June start your season, so naturally you’re booked, busy, and somehow in three group chats at once. The New Moon in Gemini mid-month is ideal for reinvention, fresh ideas, and finally starting the thing you keep talking about. Late June asks you to slow down and organize your money before Mercury retrograde causes “Where did my paycheck go?” confusion. Best day: June 14. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Barbie,” colorful, clever, funny, and moving at Gemini speed.

VIRGO

(August 23 – September 22)

June is social in the best way. Friends, collaborations, and community become important, and networking could genuinely help your future goals. Mercury retrograde at the end of the month may bring scheduling chaos, so keep backup plans for everything. Best day: June 24. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Ocean’s Eleven,” organized teamwork with enough perfectionism to satisfy you.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 – December 21)

Big emotional breakthroughs happen in June, especially regarding finances, trust, and relationships. The full moon late in the month highlights what needs to change permanently. You’re craving honesty over surface-level interactions now. Adventure still calls, but your emotional world matters more than usual. Best day: June 29. Summer blockbuster to watch: “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” adventurous chaos with philosophical undertones.

PISCES

(February 19 – March 20)

June is romantic, creative, and emotionally rich for you. Hobbies, dating, art, and fun all get a boost, especially around the Gemini New Moon. You’re reconnecting with joy after a heavy stretch. Just avoid overcommitting financially when your heart says “yes” but your bank account says “absolutely not.” Best day: June 11. Summer blockbuster to watch: “La La Land,” dreamy, emotional, and aesthetically devastating.

Exceptional

At the Padgett Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Padgett and his team provide expert, compassionate care for the Winter Haven community, helping patients move with strength, comfort, and confidence.

We specialize in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, knee, and elbow.

Together with Lakeland Regional Health Physician Group, we’re proud to offer expanded access to advanced technology, coordinated care, and a vast network of expert physicians dedicated to helping you get back to what you love most.